It doesn't matter what the outdoor environment is, just stay within the 35%
to 55% boundary if you can. If the outdoor summertime environment is very
dry, it is usually also very hot and indoor cooling generally raises the RH
to within acceptable limits.

Marion F. Mecklenburg
SCMRE

>>> [log in to unmask] 05/02/03 12:53PM >>>
Marion (or anyone else who can answer):

Is your summer vs. winter advice based on outdoor humidity, or on
outdoor temperature?  Would those of us in the west, with wet winters
and very dry summers reverse the settings you mention?  OR, if
temperature (which modifies humidity) is the key factor, then, I assume,
we would do the same as you folks in the east?

Lucy Sperlin

"Marion F. Mecklenburg" wrote:
>
> Any level between 35% RH to 55%RH would be suitable. To save energy
costs,
> set the RH levels at 35% RH in the wintertime and 55% RH in the summer.
This
> will also lower building maintenance costs since it reduces water
> penetration through walls in the winter. It also reduces moisture
> condensation on windows in the winter.
>
> I hope this helps.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Marion F. Mecklenburg, Ph.D.
> Senior Research Scientist
> Smithsonian Center for Materials Research and Education
>
> >>> [log in to unmask] 04/30/03 12:51PM >>>
> Hello!
>     Does anyone know what a reasonable level of humidity is in
> climate-controlled archives?  The contents consist mostly of wooden
> furniture or paper documents. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
> -Kristi
>

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