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Monitoring Temperature and Humidity |
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Normally, we won't endorse a product or method in this newsletter. Recently though, we've noticed a positive impact on our studies and the results we can provide, through the use of one small process. Since so many of the investigations we are called to do involve the sampling of temperature and relative humidity we thought we'd pass on the following information.
Several of our recent surveys required long-term sampling of temperature and humidity in the affected spaces. Unfortunately, we were called on to provide our services some three or four weeks after the problems first surfaced. What could property management have done before our arrival?
Through the use of relatively new technology, it is now possible to perform long-term sampling of temperature and humidity in multiple locations concurrently. The accumulated data can then be compared to design capacities. This process involves using small battery operated data-loggers, which are a bit larger than a personal pager. These units can be preprogrammed to start and stop through a simple interface connection with your personal computer. In addition, they are capable of logging temperature and humidity readings for months at a time.
In one case, we arranged to place 4 of the units in classrooms which were experiencing inconsistent temperature readings. A fifth unit was placed outside. The units were set to monitor continually throughout a two week period. The resulting data showed us not only readings taken during the occupied times of the day, but also what was going on in the building at night. This information allowed us to determine whether the problems related to moisture and humidity were directly related to building systems or occupancy issues.
We used a HOBO datalogger, which is manufactured by ThermaStor products. More information can be found at their site on the World Wide Web at http://www.thermastor.com.
Even if you don't see an immediate need for this kind of sampling, it's good to know that these kinds of units are available when questions (or problems) arise. |
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