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Minimum Heat Levels Posted by: MartinW 24 Jun 2010 4:00pm

"Heat lounges to at least 18°C, bedrooms to 16°C"

All the time, or just when the rooms are in use?

What is the ideal humidity? Posted by: Darren Hocken 28 Jun 2009 9:40am

Does any one know what the indoor humidity in terms of percentage should be? There are lots of articles being written in NZ about dehumidifying houses but non actual specify what the target should be.

Reply 1: Posted by: Dominic Hines 28 Jun 2009 3:38pm

30% to 60% is acceptable. However dust mites flourish over 50% so the ideal mark to aim for is 45%. If you suffer from dry skin or sore throats you may be better at the higher end. Hope that helps.

Reply 2: Posted by: Fabulous 30 Jun 2009 1:36pm

Hooray! Thanks for that info. I have been looking for the same information and struck the same problem. Everyone says "dry out your house" but nobody actually says what they mean by that!

My sister was told by her midwife that a baby's room should be kept at around 60% humidity, so my sis keeps a bowl of water on top of the heater to raise humidity. I still haven't been able to find out if this is correct - can anyone tell me what's best for a baby and why?

Just one correction: Posted by: Lucy Barnard 26 Jun 2009 10:29pm

In your report you state "It's not the cold and damp that harms us." That's by no means true. Cold and damp do harm us, just as much as mould and dust mites. Human physiological responses to cold (i.e temperatures below those recommended by the WHO) include reduced immunity, higher blood pressure, and respiratory inflammation. These responses increase the likelihood of both respiratory illness, and circulatory illness (heart attack, stroke etc.). The phrase you use should be ""It's not JUST the cold and damp that harms us."

moisture Posted by: Bruce 26 Jun 2009 9:43pm

We noticed a big difference after we installed a decent bathroom extractor and put a delayed timer on it. It runs for 7 minutes after we turn the switch off. No wet mirrors and a drier house.