While summer flies by… heatwaves seem to be sticking to our daily lives. Have you ever wondered why your body tends to tolerate the heat better in hot countries at 40°C, whereas in the city at 32°C you’re quickly irritated, out of breath and sweating? Humidity, of course! It’s the main culprit behind the heaviness you feel during hot spells. While our bodies should ideally have a humidity level of between 50% and 60%, the relative humidity level in our homes should be around 40% to 55%, depending on the season. In this Daikin article, discover the positive impact of using an air conditioner or heat pump to filter and dehumidify the air and protect your health and your home from the harmful effects of high humidity.

The humidex effect

In Canada, meteorologists use the humidex to define temperatures based on humidity levels. According to Environment Canada, a warning of extreme heat is given when the humidex is 40°C or higher. This is referred to as a feeling of great discomfort. This discomfort is mainly due to the fact that the body sweats in an attempt to maintain its temperature at 37°C. So the more humidity in the air, the more difficult it becomes to perspire, resulting in a feeling of overwhelming heat and discomfort.

Indoor humidity

Balancing the relative humidity level in your home is a necessity for both your personal comfort and the longevity of your home. In this respect, it’s important to remember that out-of-control humidity can cause damage to your belongings and property, while promoting the development of mold and facilitating the proliferation of dust mites. These allergens are so powerful that they are responsible for human illnesses such as asthma. To ensure that your air quality is safe, Daikin recommends that you measure the percentage of humidity present using a mechanical or electronic hygrometer. A visual inspection is also recommended to make sure there’s no mold on the walls or ceilings. A musty smell in an enclosed area is also a sign of excess humidity.

Air conditioning to reduce humidity?

Absolutely! Physics tells us that air-conditioning your home with a Daikin heat pump or air conditioner transforms hot, humid air into cool, dry air, ensuring a pleasant atmosphere even in the hottest weather. The magic of air conditioning lies in the temperature-lowering process that controls both temperature and humidity levels. Through a mechanical process, the heat in your home is transferred to the outside, using the environmentally-friendly refrigerant R410A, without exchanging air. The dehumidification process occurs when the water vapour contained in the indoor air passes through the indoor unit’s evaporator, condensing and reaching the dew point, before being eliminated in liquid form (water) through the unit’s drain. Dehumidification can therefore remove several liters of water in 24 hours, depending on unit capacity.

Daikin air conditioners and heat pumps

Recognized as the best air conditioners and heat pumps in the world! Daikin provides efficient air conditioning with some of the most advanced equipment in the industry. Thanks to its technology offering unequaled efficiency, take control of your atmosphere with elegance, thanks to its indoor units optimized for low operating noise levels. Whether you’re looking for an air conditioner or a heat pump, Daikin has the right unit for your unique needs. Discover all the possibilities at https://daikinquebec.net/. If you have any questions about your choice of unit, don’t hesitate to contact the certified expert in your area.