It is critical to maintain consistent indoor comfort so that our homes are more pleasant to live in. When it comes to creating comfort, temperature isn't the only factor to consider. Humidity also has a significant impact on the overall feel of your room. When you compare a room's level of comfort under the same temperature, the contrast is evident when the humidity is high versus an ideal humidity. Indoor humidity levels must be considered when creating the best environment at home.
About High Humidity
Humidity is a general reference of the amount of moisture (water molecules) in the air. A higher amount of moisture in the air translates to higher humidity level in your home. When a place is too humid, it can affect sleep quality, cause health problems and general discomfort.
Problems Caused by High Humidity
When a place is too humid, it can affect sleep quality, causing health problems and general discomfort. High humidity levels can make your room feel stuffy, clammy and even hotter than it actually is. It prevents sweat from evaporating off your body, which hinders your body’s natural cooling process - leaving you to feel hot and sweaty. Your home would feel a lot more comfortable when indoor humidity is adjusted and maintained at an optimal level.
Humidity and Temperature for Ideal Comfort
Both temperature and humidity affect a person’s comfort levels. Based on the ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-2010, the ideal comfort zone are a combination of relative humidity level below 60% and temperature between 23°C to 28°C.
Comfort Zone Based on Temperature vs Humidity
*Comfort zone defined by ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-2010
Note: ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) is a global society seeking to advance human well-being through sustainable technology for the built environment in HVAC industry. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-2010 is a standard published by ASHRAE on specific conditions for acceptable thermal environment for occupants in buildings. Visit www.ashrae.org for more information.
At the same temperature, humidity can affect a person’s comfort. The human body uses evaporation of sweat to cool itself down. When relative humidity is below 60%, sweat evaporates easily from the skin, making you feel cooler in a short time.
Human skin feeling
Sweat evaporates easily.
Ideal Humidity - Within Comfort Zone
Comfortable.
However, perspiration evaporates slowly from the skin under humid conditions where the surrounding air is too dense with moisture to effectively absorb water vapours. Thus, sweat remains on the skin’s surface - leaving you feeling hot and sticky. This means a long night full of sweating, turning and tossing around in bed.
Human skin feeling
Sweat evaporates too slowly.
High Humidity - Not Within Comfort Zone
Hot and stuffy.
Balancing Temperature and Humidity for Comfort : Panasonic Air Conditioner with iAUTO-X and Humidity Sensor
Achieving the right balance between temperature and humidity is important to create the most comfortable living environment. When the temperature in a room is high, you will feel uncomfortable. A high relative humidity will only worsen your discomfort. The new Panasonic air conditioners with iAUTO-X and Humidity sensor not only cool your home down, they reduce humidity as well. It constantly monitors and adjusts relative humidity level to below 60%, so you can stay comfortable indoors.
How Humidity Control Works
When the air conditioner is turned on and iAUTO-X mode is activated, the new iAUTO-X feature rapidly cools the room. Once the room reaches its set temperature, humidity sensors determine relative humidity in the room. If the room’s relative humidity is above 60%, the unit’s humidity control will be initiated to remove excess moisture in the air to keep humidity in the room constantly below 60%. This process of sensing and adjusting relative humidity will be repeated continuously throughout the entire time the air conditioner is in operation.
*Comparison between iAUTO-X Mode & normal COOL mode by using 1.5HP X-PREMIUM INVERTER Model
iAUTO-X Mode:
iAUTO-X Mode, Outdoor temperature : 35°C/24°C / Remote temperature setting : 25°C, with Fan Speed : Auto / Horizontal Airflow direction : Auto / Vertical Airflow direction : Straight
Normal COOL Mode:
COOL Mode, Outdoor temperature : 35°C/24°C / Remote setting temperature : 25°C, with Fan Speed : High / Horizontal Airflow direction: Middle / Vertical Airflow direction : Straight
Average Room RH is measured every 1 hour up to 4th hour (under stable condition). At Panasonic Amenity Room (size: 16.6m²). Effects may differ, depending on conditions on
installation and usage.
On Start-up
Cold air blows out strongly on start-up for rapid cooling, keeping the room at a comfortable temperature.
Reach Stable Operation
When the room reaches the set temperature, humidity sensor determine the relative humidity in the room. If the relative humidity above 60%, humidity control will be initiated to keep relative humidity below 60%.
During Stable Operation
Humidity in the room is automatically controlled so it remains stable and comfortable during bedtime.
In the case of air conditioners without humidity sensor, after reaching set temperature, relative humidity gradually rise above ideal levels due to the accumulation of water vapours in the air. When the humidity levels are higher, the room feels warmer than it actually is.
Benefits of Humidity Control
High relative humidity in the bedroom causes discomfort that can greatly affect a person’s quality of sleep.
Therefore, it is important to control and maintain an optimal environment in the bedroom for a good night's rest.
Air Conditioner Without Humidity Sensor
Without humidity sensor, relative humidity in the room gradually increases due to the accumulation of water vapours in the air, creating an uncomfortable sleep environment.
Air Conditioner With iAUTO-X and Humidity Sensor
Humidity sensor automatically maintains relative humidity below 60% for a restful sleep through the night.
The new iAUTO-X and Humidity Sensor work harmoniously to create the ideal indoor condition for relaxing at home and for a pleasant slumber. With the combination of the optimal humidity and temperature, achieving a deep, restful sleep is a breeze. A well rested and relaxed body is one that has the strength and positivity to take on the day.
Disclaimer
Applicable to X-Premium Inverter R32 models only.
Products with Humidity Control