An electronic air cleaner or a media air filter can reduce the amount of dust in the air without raising indoor relative humidity levels excessively. Exposure to low relative humidity increases the health problems of asthmatics, individuals with allergies, and newborns and the elderly, all of whom are susceptible to respiratory infections. Individuals with allergies are at increased risk at a high relative humidity. Criteria for Human Exposure to Humidity in Occupied Buildings. The buildup of mold in air cooling and humidifying units, plumbing fixtures, condensation trays, and drains can cause serious and often costly mechanical problems.
Mold can discolor paint, weaken fabrics, and degrade foodstuffs.
It also can lead to odor problems. Identifying the Problem Since excess moisture is a condition that must be present for mold growth, one method of determining whether your home has a potential problem is to measure the moisture inside. Moisture in the air is often measured as relative humidity. The amount of moisture the air can hold depends on its temperature. Cool air is not capable of holding as much water vapor as warm air.