The relative humidity (RH) levels of a healthcare facility are an often overlooked factor that can impact energy costs, according to an article on the ACR News website.
Excessive RH can breed mold and other airborne contaminants and nourish hospital acquired infections (HAI). Controlling moisture will create better air comfort, a healthier environment, and reduce energy costs, the article said.
Healthcare facilities must maintain code compliance even though RH levels between rooms can vary greatly.
Regardless of safe design precautions, such as controlling air changes and a room’s negative or positive pressurization, etc., moisture will migrate from room to room because of its affinity for a drier space.
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