Humidifiers prevent health problems

Low humidity in the home can cause many problems. Wood floors shrink and cracks and tears appear in window frames and furniture. But what's much worse, low humidity can also cause health problems. Fortunately, these problems are easily solved with HomEvap's humidifiers, which can prevent health problems. These can be easily connected to the ventilation system and automatically do their work when the humidity in the home drops. Adiabatic cooling is also possible with HomEvap's products, making it easier to comply with the latest building regulations.

This is the introduction to a comprehensive article in the Sustainability & Energy Guide release from December 2023. This article can be read starting on page 36.

"We founded HomEvap to make the indoor environment healthier. We do that with our compact humidifiers." Speaking is Bengt Cornelissen of HomEvap. This company produces humidifiers that automatically keep indoor humidity at the right level in a safe way. The HomEvap humidifiers are directly connected to the ducts of the ventilation system and are equipped with a legionella filter for safe operation.

Humidification essential

Humidification is essential in homes equipped with balanced ventilation (HRV). Cornelissen explains why. "New construction houses today are usually ventilated with a balanced ventilation system with heat recovery. This brings heated fresh air into the house. This provides a better indoor climate. But because of the higher average temperatures in these homes, the humidity regularly drops below 30% in the winter months."

House dries out

The moment the humidity falls below 30%, people start experiencing symptoms, Cornelissen explains. "A humidity between 40% and 60% is ideal. In summer, most homes sit higher, between 70% and 80%. This is not a problem because ventilation dries the house. But when the outside temperature drops below 8 degrees in winter, then the complaints begin. The relative humidity in the home then drops below 30%. Residents then develop complaints such as irritated skin and nose, static shock, A dry throat and cold hands. "These problems occur mostly in late fall, winter and early spring," he says. "Because of the low temperatures outside, there is little water vapor in the air and over time a home dries out."

Automatic humidification

A comfortable indoor climate is very important, Cornelissen emphasizes. "90% Of the time we are indoors, so a good indoor climate is vital for our health." In homes equipped with a HomEvap humidifier, below a humidity of 50%, the humidifier jumps on. "The homes will have a hygrostat, similar to a thermostat. The hygrostat controls the humidifier." The HomEvap humidifier can be connected directly to the balanced ventilation system and works with an automatic water connection and drain. Cornelissen: "This guarantees hygiene. Refilling or cleaning is not necessary because everything is automatic. The HomEvap humidifier also contains a legionella filter, so these bacteria are removed. Our system does not use atomization, but the evaporation principle for humidification."

Easy to place

The HomEvap products are easy to install, Cornelissen says. "You do need to have enough space. In addition, a water tap and drain must be available, but this is usually the case because the washing machine is often in the same room as the ventilation system. Any plumber can fix this, and some individuals can install it themselves. Sometimes there is a little bit of on-site duct work involved. Our box is placed horizontally between the ducts of the ventilation unit. "Our Horizontal is placed on the air supply duct to the home. By summer, HomEvap's product line will be expanded, he says. "Then we will have the HomEvap Vertical added. A vertical unit that is easier to place in projects where there is a little less space and it is also suitable for larger WTWs up to 750m3/h."

Cooling also possible

In addition to humidifiers, HomEvap also supplies Coolers that allow adiabatic cooling. The HomeEvap Cooler is mounted on the return air duct of the HRS. So it uses the REMOVED air to run the Cooler. "You can connect the HomEvap Cooler to the ventilation unit. This allows you to meet the TOjuli requirement from the BENG regulations without additional measures such as floor cooling or air conditioning."

Standalone

HomEvap has solutions for all homes where residents experience complaints due to low humidity. "If it is not possible to connect a humidifier to a balanced ventilation unit, we also have a Standalone humidifier. It can be mounted in a storage room or attic, for example, humidifying the air throughout the home."