New-York tribune., 1922-09-10
70 the Editor Of The Tribune.

To the Editor of The Tribune
Sir: The attention of the public
for some years past has been called
from time to time TO the Importance Of
securing proper amount Of moisture
in the air of heated rooms during the
winter season. Hitherto little atten-
tion seems to have been paid to this
subject by most people. The fact that
the water coats substantially nothing
and that with its use it was possible
to save some 25 per cent of the coal
otherwise necessary for heating pur-
poses did not seem to be an induce
ment to make the little effort required
to secure the desirable result.
1t is not proposed to raise the room
humidity to point even equal to that
prevailing in the outside air. The
average temperature in New York City
between October and April is A de-
dgrees Fahrenheit, and the average
humidity is 70 per cent. For healthful
conditions in that period the house
temperature should range from 65 de-
grees to 68 degrees, with humidity
of approximately so per cent.
For dwelling house of moderate
size this needs the addition to the air
of from two to four gallons of water
in the form of vapor in each twenty
four hours, and in exceptionally cold
weather as much as nine gallons.
No one can we'll take exception to
the recommended temperature limits
and house humidity, for they are pre-
cisely the same as those of a mild day
in May or June. This ought to be
sufficient answer to those who suggest
that soggy atmosphere is being ad-
vocated.
<When the temperature outside drops
below so degrees the heating of the
outdoor air TO temperature Of ap-
proximately 73 degrees reduces the
humidity to less than 80 per cent. This
does not mean that there is less water
in the air. 1t merely means that at
n temperature of 72 degrees the air is
capable of holding much more water.
1t ought to be evident without argu-
ment that it is trying to the air pas
sages of the lungs to- pass constantly
from humidity of less than 80 per
cent to one of approximately 70 per
cent.
There is another advantage in hav-
ing moisture in the house air in that
it does away with the sensation of
draft, giving more uniform tempera-
ture to all parts of q room, and with
moderate degree of heat giving
sensation of greater warmth.
In very cold weather it is unneces-
sary to force the heating apparatus TO
it's utmost capacity, which is a waste
Of time and coal.
In furnace heated houses a sufficient
supply of water must be brought near
enough to the firepot to evaporate the
needed amount. 1t is worth while to
run an outlet from the water supply
into the hot air space, and this may,
If it is desired, be arranged to supply
the water automatically. However,
there is little trouble in turning it On
by hand whenever coal is added to the
furnace.
In many cases the problem would
be that of a tenant in a steam heated
building, in a single room or apartment
under his control. Water containers
can be had which fit closely to the
pipes of radiators, or moistened cloths
placed on the radiator will quickly
supply the moisture necessary.
In very cold weather, the hotel
dweller having room and bath can
quickly make livable room which is
a little too cold for comfort by draw
ing few inches of hot water into the
bathtub. The change of temperature
will be negligible, but the difference in
comfort will be amazing.
One test of whether the air of
building is properly moistened is
whether delicate plants will grow sat-