How to avoid problems caused by winter's dry indoor climate

When the cold weather arrives, the indoor climate changes – often for the worse. The air becomes dry, which creates challenges in many production environments. Static electricity can disrupt or stop machines, products risk damage and variations in humidity can negatively affect product quality.

The dry winter air is due to the fact that cold outdoor air contains less moisture than warm air. When it is led in and heated, the relative humidity drops further. This is reinforced by heating systems and ventilation, which means that many premises need active humidification in winter to create a stable and healthy indoor climate.

However, the right humidity is not only about comfort and protection of equipment. In environments where there is excess heat, adiabatic or evaporative humidifiers can lower the temperature and humidify the air at the same time. This reduces the need for cooling and can thus reduce energy consumption and costs – while improving the indoor climate.

For some industries, precise humidity control is crucial all year round. For example, in woodworking and packaging, a relative humidity of 45–55% is often required for products to maintain their shape and quality.

When choosing a humidification system, you should consider the size of the room, airflow and the requirement for precision. The most common types are steam humidifiers and adiabatic/evaporative solutions. Steam provides precise control, while adiabatic systems combine humidification with efficient cooling – a smart solution when both climate and energy consumption matter.