Devices for measuring indoor air humidity: types + recommendations for choosing

The best psychrometric hygrometers

5 devices competed in the nomination of the best psychrometric hygrometer. The first place in the ranking went to VIT-2 due to the accuracy of displaying measurements, safety in domestic use and affordability.

Glass appliance VIT-2

This best, inexpensive psychrometric hygrometer is produced by the Ukrainian plant Steklopribor.The device is multifunctional, it can be used to measure the humidity and temperature of the air in the room. It's made of toluene-filled plastic and is strong enough to make itself felt if accidentally dropped. You can buy the device at a pharmacy. Manufacturers carefully monitor compliance with GOSTs, so the device can be safely placed in a children's room.

Advantages

• Retro style design;
• Accurate display of air humidity;
• Suitable for those who do not trust electronic devices;
• Large numbers on the scale;
• Convenient release form.

Flaws

• Large overall dimensions;
• You will have to additionally buy distilled water, since the device requires moisture to operate.

At first glance, the hygrometer device looks complicated, but it is easy to figure out its functionality. The hygrometer has proven itself perfectly, the device has been produced for more than a dozen years.

Overview of the VIT-2 hygrometer: how to use, the main characteristics of the device

In the modern market, you can find a huge number of a wide variety of devices that differ from each other, both in functions and in design. Consider one of the simplest and most popular models of the device today, which is great for domestic use - the VIT-2 hygrometer, which you can buy almost everywhere.

The first feature of this particular device is that its use requires certain temperature conditions. So, in the cold season, the air temperature should not fall below -15°C, and in summer it should not exceed 40°C. Given that we are talking about measuring humidity in rooms, it is not difficult to comply with this condition, but it is still necessary to know about it.

Depending on the ambient temperature, the relative humidity measurement range also changes:

Ambient temperature, °C	Relative humidity measurement range, %
20-23	54-90
23-26	40-90
26-40	20-90

The division price of this hygrometer is 0.2 ° C, which allows you to get fairly accurate readings. And as a thermometric liquid in this device, toluene is used, which, unlike mercury, is safe.

How a psychrometric hygrometer works

In order to understand how to use the VIT-2 psychrometric hygrometer, it is necessary to have an idea of ​​its appearance, as well as the principle of operation. Visually, it is a plastic base 290 mm high, 120 mm wide and 50 mm thick. On this basis, two thermometers are fixed, as well as a temperature scale and a psychrometric table. In addition, a glass feeder is also fixed there, which is necessary for moistening one of the thermometers.

Room hygrometers VIT-1 and VIT-2

As already mentioned, one of the thermometers receives data while remaining dry, while the second is constantly exposed to moisture. This is due to the fact that the capillary of this thermometer is in a special fabric material that perfectly absorbs water and thereby constantly maintains the required level of humidity. With the help of such cooling, the readings of the second thermometer differ, which makes it possible to compare the data.

In order to make the necessary calculations, it is enough to use the table. Having found the obtained indicators of "dry" and "wet" thermometers, the relative humidity of the air will be indicated at the point of intersection of these values.

Another important condition for the accurate operation of such a device is that the speed of movement of air flows in the room should not exceed 1 m / s. Otherwise, the difference between the readings of thermometers will be greater than in reality, and as a result, you will get an incredibly low air humidity.

Psychrometric hygrometer device

Device for measuring air humidity and its specifics

Humidity affects the condition of furnishings, household appliances and human well-being. The presence of water vapor in a certain amount in the air depends on the following factors: technogenic impact, climatic features of the region, the state of communications and the building as a whole, as well as the operating conditions of the premises.

The device for measuring air humidity helps to control the optimal microclimate in the house

The humidity standard for a healthy person is considered to be 40-60%. To create optimal conditions, special devices are used. Depending on the needs, these can be dehumidifiers or humidifiers. Air humidity meters are used to coordinate the operation of these devices.

How is air humidity measured in residential premises?

You can measure the amount of water vapor at home using improvised means, for example, a spruce cone, whose scales open if the room is dry, or monitor the state of the condensate by first cooling the container with water.

If the air in the room is dry, the scales of the cone will open

The tank method is based on how condensate behaves on cool surfaces and how fast it evaporates.The environment, located in a closed space, under the condition of balanced processes of condensation and evaporation, is in a state of saturated steam. If the amount of moisture in saturated steam is close to the concentration of water vapor in the room air, then the evaporation process will be difficult. This will indicate the presence of excessive moisture in the room.

How to measure the humidity in the apartment with a glass:

1. Fill a glass container with water. For these purposes, not only a glass is suitable, but also a bottle, a jar.
2. Place the container in the refrigerator for a couple of hours.
3. After that, take out a glass and measure the temperature of the water. This indicator should not exceed 50 ° C.
4. The control vessel should be placed in the room, away from heating appliances.

A popular way to measure air humidity is with a glass of water.

If the condensate accumulated on the walls dries within the indicated time, then the room is dry. Wet glass indicates that the room has optimal conditions with a sufficient level of humidity. If the drops of condensate are large and flow down the walls of the vessel in streams, this indicates an increased amount of water vapor in the room.

What instruments are used to measure air humidity

More accurate data can be obtained using special devices. For these purposes, several types of devices are provided. The most primitive devices that measure indoor air humidity are called hygrometers.

This category of devices includes the following types of devices:

• ceramic;
• electronic;
• weight;
• electrolytic;

Working principle of a hair hygrometer

• condensation;
• hair;
• film.

Each type of devices listed operates due to a certain principle of operation, for example, the design feature of a hair device is the presence of U-shaped tubes. The condensation hygrometer is considered the most accurate. It takes measurements with minimal error.

There is another category of devices for measuring air humidity, they are called psychrometers. Varieties of psychrometers:

• station;
• remote;
• aspiration.

remote psychrometer

The station version of the device is the most popular of them. Its design includes a pair of thermometers mounted on a tripod. A dry thermometer shows the temperature of the air in the room, a wet one is wrapped in a cloth, one end of which is lowered into a tank filled with liquid (water).

Top Models

The device "Evlas-2M" is excellent for controlling the moisture content of bulk solids. This device is used in agriculture, food industry and pharmacy. It will also be possible to control the humidity of building materials. The microprocessor is designed to prevent computational errors. Verification of the device is carried out according to the requirements of Rosstandart.

The Venta hygrometer can memorize the minimum and maximum temperature and humidity. The device will allow you to set temperatures from -40 to +70 degrees. The error of the main measurement is 3% in both directions. Powered by a pair of AAA batteries.

Boneco can offer people the A7057 model. This device has a plastic case. Installation is only possible on the wall. Any solid surface is suitable for mounting. However, the reviews note doubts about the accuracy of the device.

Momert's Model 1756 is a good alternative. The case is made of white plastic. The device is compact. Thanks to the round corners, the hygrometer is very pleasant to the touch. Attractive and small thickness - 0.02 m.

The Beurer HM 16 is no longer a single hygrometer, but an entire meteorological station. It can measure temperature from 0 to 50 degrees. External humidity can be measured not lower than 20% and not higher than 95%. Other features:

• batteries CR2025;

• monochrome reliable screen;

• folding stand for installation on the table;

• the ability to hang the device;

• sleek white body.

The Ohaus MB23 moisture analyzer is also included in the list of the best models. The device operates in accordance with GLP and GMP standards. The device will determine the moisture content by gravimetry. The system can determine the temperature with an error of up to 1 degree, and the weight of the device is 2.3 kg.

Sawo can offer the 224-THD Square Thermohygrometer. The model has a classic rectangular design. Two dials display information separately. Cases are made from various types of wood. The device is great for baths and saunas.

Model 285-THA is housed in a wide solid aspen frame. As in the previous case, a thermometer and a hygrometer with separate dials are used. The size is 0.17x0.175 m. Company warranty - 3 years. This device is also suitable for climate control in bathrooms and saunas.

IVA-8 is another attractive hygrometer. The display unit is made according to the panel scheme. It is possible to connect 2 frost point indicators to one device. There are 2 relay outputs with adjustable trigger levels.Relative humidity can be measured in the range of 30 to 80%; the mass of the device is 1 kg, it consumes no more than 5 watts per hour of operation.

The Baikal 5C model also deserves attention. This is an industrial-grade digital single-channel device. The system can measure not only humidity, but also the molar concentration of water in non-toxic gases. Measurements can also be made in gas mixtures, including ordinary air. The device has a bench or desktop version; it must be operated with grounding in a room where explosion safety is ensured.

Subject to the proper conditions, you can use "Baikal":

• in petrochemistry;

• in the nuclear industry;

• in the polymer industry;

• at metallurgical and metalworking enterprises.

It is appropriate to complete the review on the Elvis-2C moisture analyzer. These devices are designed to measure the degree of moisture:

• solid monoliths;

• bulk substances;

• liquids;

• fibrous substances;

• pasty compositions of various kinds.

The device is based on the thermogravimetric method. The system can display both the percentage of moisture and the percentage of dry matter in the analyzed sample. The indicator device also shows the mass of the sample and the duration of heating.

What is the best hygrometer?

Which type of hygrometer is better to purchase in order to control the level of humidity depends on the type of room, the purpose and regularity of the measurements. For warehouses, production shops, schools and medical institutions, it is better to choose a psychometer. It has a high level of accuracy and reliability.

For domestic purposes, a mechanical or electronic hygrometer will suffice - these devices can be purchased at the nearest hardware store.In addition, a variety of models will help you choose the device in the style of the room.

Psychometric models containing toluene at home, especially if there are children and animals in the family, are not recommended. Accidentally breaking the device can lead to a number of unpleasant consequences.

To control the level of humidity in the house, it is better to purchase a mechanical hygroscope. It is more accurate than electronic. At the same time, it lacks many additional features, unlike the latter type of equipment.

In addition, you can assemble a device for measuring humidity with your own hands. And how to do this, you can read in this material.

How to measure air humidity at home with a psychrometer

Psychrometers are designed to determine the relative humidity. The device operates due to the physical properties of the liquid, in particular, its ability to evaporate. In the process, there is a difference between the temperature readings of the wet and dry bulbs. During evaporation, some of the energy is lost by the liquid, which causes a decrease in temperature. This change is picked up by a thermometer.

The design of the psychrometer consists of a pair of alcohol or mercury psychrometers. As the liquid evaporates, the wet bulb cools down. The lower the level of air humidity, the faster the liquid evaporates. In turn, the drier the air, the lower the temperature indicator displayed by wet bulbs. Due to this, there is a difference between the readings.

Psychrometer design

Some psychrometric hygrometers require specific temperature conditions.For example, the lowest allowable indicator for winter is -15°C, for summer the maximum temperature limit is 40°C. The measuring range depends on the temperature, the ambient humidity table can be used as a guide.

Measuring range according to the table of air humidity:

Air temperature, ºС	Permissible range, %
from 20 to 23	from 54 to 90
from 24 to 26	from 40 to 90
from 27 to 40	from 20 to 90

The level of humidity in the room: how to measure the amount of water vapor

The process of measuring humidity with a psychrometer is very simple. In addition to this value, the device also measures the temperature parameter. As a rule, along with alcohol thermometers fixed on a plastic base, the manufacturer places a psychrometric table of relative air humidity, which allows you to read the readings.

There is one important condition that ensures the accurate operation of the device. The psychrometer is extremely sensitive to drafts, therefore it is recommended to create conditions under which the speed of movement of air masses in the room should not be more than 1 m / s, otherwise the difference in the readings taken from the thermometers will be much greater than in reality, which will lead to obtaining inaccurate result

Modern design of the instrument for measuring air humidity

The psychrometric table of air humidity is used to decipher the readings of the psychrometer. The first column contains the temperature readings of the dry bulb. The first line displays the difference that occurs during the measurement between the readings of both thermometers.To get the actual relative humidity level, you need to take the value that is formed at the intersection of the corresponding parameter from the first column and the first row.

The Assmann psychrometer is an improved modification of the device, which performs measurements more accurately and is not afraid of drafts, since its thermometers are protected from heat and direct sunlight due to the metal case.

Psychrometric table

How to Maintain Relative Humidity at Home

We have already decided how to measure the state of humidity in the room, it remains now to figure out how to restore the optimal level of humidity.

If the humidity is low

1. Ventilate the room. However, this method cannot always significantly improve the state of the home microclimate, since in summer the outdoor air can be dry.

   Also, when airing in the traditional way, dangerous microbes, allergens, dust, harmful gases and unpleasant odors can enter the apartment. But if you keep the windows constantly closed, then there is a high probability of encountering another problem of maintaining the microclimate - stuffiness (high levels of carbon dioxide).

   High-quality ventilation is also important when airing rooms. A valve can provide fresh air to the room, but it will not be enough to ventilate a room in which more than one person lives. The air passing through the supply and exhaust valve is not heated and is not cleaned.

   A breather will help you easily deal with stuffiness and not let dangerous “guests” from the street into the house. This is a supply ventilation device that takes air from the street, heats it, purifies it and supplies it to the room.

2. Wet clean regularly rooms.
3. Set up an aquarium at home. Keeping fish in an aquarium at home can also affect the humidity of the air. But remember that you need to take care of the fish and keep the aquarium clean.
4. Can be placed on window sills or near radiators containers with water.
5. Humidifier - a good option for the home. This device will cope with the dryness of home air, improve the microclimate and prevent the development of respiratory diseases.
6. Climatic equipment (air conditioner, breather, air purifier, Danfoss Eco thermostat) Complete with the MagicAir base station, it will help not only track the data on the state of the microclimate in the house, but also maintain optimal performance.

The base station collects information from room air about temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide concentration. All indicators are displayed on the smartphone screen in the MagicAir application.

If the humidity is high

The other side of the coin is too much moisture in the air.

1. Do not dry clothes in the apartment. The best thing to do is on the balcony.
2. After taking water procedures, when the humidity in the bathroom can reach up to 100%, need to ventilate. With high-quality ventilation, it will be enough to open the door to the bathroom and the window closest to the bathroom or turn on the breather.
3. You can buy special moisture absorption device. The principle of operation of this device is opposite to the process of air humidification: a built-in fan drives humid air through the device. An evaporator is also located inside, which turns moisture into condensate, which flows into a special container.

If you make a habit of constantly maintaining optimal air humidity at the required level, this will help reduce the risk of developing respiratory diseases and cases of allergic reactions. Normalized moisture favorably affects the skin, protects it from drying out and premature aging.

Comfort and fresh clean air to your home!

How to use a hygrometer? | Answer is here

A hygrometer is a device that is necessary in order to measure the humidity of the air in a particular room. How to use the hygrometer, read below:

1. As for how to use the hygrometer, first you need to remove it from the box in which it was originally placed. Then, you need to make sure that all the components for this device must be in place.

2. After that, you need to remove the so-called feeder from the bases and fill it with water. As for water, you should definitely remember that it must be distilled.

3. In order to do the manipulation, it is necessary to place the feeder itself directly in any container that is filled with water

You should also pay attention to the fact that it is necessary to place the feed with the end that is sealed down. Then you will need to do the installation of the feeder. four

This will need to be done in such a way that between the edge of that end of the feeder that is not closed, there is a distance of about twenty millimeters in relation to the so-called reservoir

four.This will need to be done in such a way that between the edge of that end of the feeder, which is not closed, there is a distance of about twenty millimeters in relation to the so-called reservoir.

5. Also, in no case should the wick touch the walls of that end of the feeder that is not sealed

In addition, you should also be sure to pay attention to the fact that it is imperative to install this device in the position where it will be vertical.

6. Where the device is installed, there should be no vibrations, as well as heat sources that may well create various types of obstacles to the operation of the presented device.

7. Before measuring relative humidity, some data regarding the hygrometer should be clarified. Regarding further steps regarding how to use the hygrometer, you will need to take readings regarding dry and wet bulbs.

8. Then you will need to determine the temperature obtained and write down the data that eventually turned out. And compare what you get with what is written in the table that comes with the device. If there is no data, then the result must be rounded.

What to look for when buying?

Indoor models of devices for measuring the amount of moisture in the air include mechanical and electronic hygrometers. They have a compact design, are safe for others and give a minimum error in the calculations. To maintain design ideas, modern devices have a concise design.

Criterion # 1 - the principle of operation

Mechanical and digital hygrometers have a number of advantages that may influence the choice of instrument.

The advantages of mechanical models of moisture meters include the fact that:

• the operation of the device does not depend on external power sources;
• they are easy to use, since minimal additional adjustment of the necessary operating parameters is required;
• the cost of a mechanical hygrometer is slightly lower than an electronic one.

Digital models come in the form of foldable, portable gadgets.

In addition, the advantages of electronic models include:

• high speed of issuing results;
• less error in readings, compared with a mechanical device;
• the output data is subject to further processing, due to the built-in internal memory.

Some electronic moisture meters combine several devices at once: hygrometer, clock, calendar, thermometer, barometer, dew point meter. Therefore, if the device performs several climatic functions, it is a stationary weather station.

Some moisture meters have a built-in alert system that is triggered when the steam level drops or rises to 30% and 60%. Such a device should be in homes where the climatic conditions of the region suggest high humidity or dry air.

For the comfort of the child and parents, the hygrometer can be built into the baby monitor. Such a device has great functionality and a warning system.

The latest models are equipped with a Wi-Fi module to display information about the weather in the region by receiving data via the Internet.

Modern models of hygrometers are designed for certain specifics of work, therefore, in order to accurately measure the air humidity in a room, apartment or other premises, it is necessary to understand how the device will be used.Then the purchased moisture meter will fully meet the necessary requirements.

Criterion #2 - Humidity Range

The optimum air humidity is determined by the purpose of the premises. In the bedrooms, the living room, the normal values ​​​​of the moisture meter are from 20 to 80%. Near the balcony, in the hall, attic and in the kitchen from 10 to 90%. For more information about the norms of air humidity in the apartment, we recommend that you read this material.

In damp rooms, the range of operating values ​​can reach 100%. The wider the range of values ​​captured by the device, the higher the price for it. Therefore, when choosing a gadget for bedrooms, a hall and an attic space, you can opt for devices with a small range of values.

When buying a hygrometer, study the operating characteristics indicated in the product data sheet

It is important that the parameters of the device include the upper values ​​of the range of expected operating temperatures. For some moisture meters, the maximum heating threshold is important

So, a device for a bath or sauna should include values ​​​​up to 120 ° C in the operating temperature range. Therefore, in rooms where temperature and humidity can reach quite high values, special devices for measuring vapors in the air should be purchased.

For some moisture meters, the maximum heating threshold is important. So, a device for a bath or sauna should include values ​​​​up to 120 ° C in the operating temperature range. Therefore, in rooms where temperature and humidity can reach quite high values, special devices for measuring vapors in the air should be purchased.

Criterion #3 - measurement accuracy

For the equipment of special storages, devices with the smallest error of indications are required.

So, in a home wine cellar, the humidity of the circulated air should be kept at the level of 65-75%, and the content of water vapor in the library should not be lower than 50 and higher than 60%.

Therefore, to measure the moisture in the air in such rooms, a psychrometer or high-precision electronic hygrometer should be used, which measures the amount of water vapor by changing the electrical conductivity of the air.

The error of the psychrometer ranges from 1 to 5%, the error of a digital device is from 5 to 10%. Therefore, they can be used in rooms where the air humidity must adhere to precisely set values.

If the humidity level does not meet the standards, but you need a device to increase it - a humidifier.

How to choose?

Various moisture analyzers are usually chosen by engineers and other professionals who clearly understand what they need. For the home, you can limit yourself to the simplest hygrometer. But not everything is so simple. Be sure to take into account, for example, the design features of each device so that it fits into the interior. Psychrometric models are best left to professional meteorologists—they are fairly accurate but difficult to handle.

Since air humidity drops sharply in winter, it is very important to focus on a measurement range of 20-70% at least. For garages, basements, baths, saunas, bathrooms and greenhouses, it is better to choose models that can measure humidity up to 100%

You don't have to skimp when buying. In domestic conditions, an error of 2-3% is quite enough. In the children's room, it is advised to put models resembling toys.