Some of you may remember the 1959 movie Some Like It Hot with Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemon. The movie wasn’t about heat but about two men who were fleeing the mob and joined an all female band dressed as women. In those days getting into trouble or “hot water” was a typical movie theme. The temperature of the environment was never an issue.

Today we discuss climate changes both heat and cold and their affect on our environment and us. In the US we have a wide variety of climates. The Midwest and Northeast see hot summers and cold winters. The West sees more moderate summer and winter temperatures and the South likes it hot. Over the past 50 years many Americans have opted to move South to escape the frigid cold of the North and enjoy more sunshine. Along with the higher temperatures in the Southern US you also get more humidity.

Humidity, or high percentages of moisture in the air, can make it feel hotter and much more uncomfortable. Often times when you watch the weather they will give you the temperature, humidity and dew point. The dew point temperature is the temperature at which the air can no longer hold all of its water vapor and some of the water must condense into liquid water. This is the moisture you feel on your skin that gives you that standing in a steam bath feeling. The higher the dew point the more free moisture that is in the air. And when this moisture comes in contact with a cooler surface, it condenses.

Higher humidity  also creates other problems beside sweating while standing still. Mold and bacteria love moist climates. Especially if it is dark and moist. Homes, offices, or any building structure is susceptible to mold growth if high humidity is present and the air is not properly conditioned. Air conditioning is essential to minimize mold growth as conditioned air both reduces the air temperature thus reducing the dew point and also removes moisture from the air to minimize the amount of moisture available to condense.

This is why it is essential that some form of air filtration device or filter system is utilized in all heating/cooling systems. Even with excellent air conditioning, mold spores can be present in an enclosed environment. And, it is necessary to have the air moving all the time through the AC system to ensure that humidity levels are kept below 50%. A good filtration system and a good AC unit are necessary to maintain a healthy indoor environment.

Pure Air Systems has been manufacturing HEPA and Carbon based air filtration systems since 1985 and has thousands of units in homes, offices and commercial buildings across North America and overseas. For more information on our complete line of air filtration products please go to our website at: www.pureairsystems.com.

 

Post Tags: air conditioning air filters condensation dew point HEPA Filtration Systems humidity

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About the Author: Don Musilli

My name is Don Musilli. I started Pure Air Systems in 1985 and then sold it in 2006. I continue to consult for PAS and write their blog and control their Twitter account. I also, on occasion, make changes to the website. The company is now almost 26 years old and has been a major player in offering commercial grade, high performance HEPA and Carbon based filtration systems for the commercial, institutional, industrial and residential markets.

I currently reside in Englewood, Florida where I write blogs and do social media marketing for a number of clients.

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