What is Relative Humidity?

People commonly ask us at CAS-Hire what Relative Humidity, or otherwise simply known as (RH) means, as it is often mentioned when talking about flood restoration, wet building assessments or when looking at hiring dehumidifiers or humidifiers.

Air surrounding us generally contains moisture in the form of water vapour or mist, however, we generally do not notice it.  The quantity of moisture held within air depends on the temperature, with cooler air having less moisture than warmer air.

When air is retaining the maximum quantity of moisture possible at a set temperature, it is considered saturated.  This may create a muggy, humid feeling in our immediate surroundings.  Dry air, which contains low quantities of moisture and will feel sharp and crispy when cool. If the temperature is warm, this may lead to the following health symptoms: itchy eyes, sore nose, dry throat and can contribute to a sore chesty cough.

Relative Humidity (RH) is the level of saturation within air. A proportion of the quantity of moisture retained in air is comparable to its saturation point.  Therefore, saturated air is equivalent to 100% RH.  Air at a 50% relative humidity (RH) level is retaining only half of the moisture it could at a specific temperature.

If you cool the same test air sample, the relative humidity (RH) will increase due to the maximum amount of moisture that the air can hold is reduced. Equally, on the other hand, if the air is warmed, the relative humidity (RH) decreases as the air is able to retain higher levels of moisture.

If you require any further information regarding dehumidifier hire, humidifier hire, dehumidifier sales, humidifier sales, general humidity level questions or damp or other moisture-related issues within your home or workplace, please contact us at CAS-Hire on free phone 0800 525082, info@cas-hire.co.uk we can be contacted on Twitter @coolerair.

Equipment available nationwide call 0800 525082 today for further assistance!