Indoor air quality

Recommended temperature and relative humidity

Today, people spend most of their lives indoors, so it is very important to take care of the microclimate of the housing.
Air quality requirements for rooms with different needs may vary. In addition, every person may also have a different comfort temperature, but it should preferably be maintained between 18°C and 22°C.
The recommended relative humidity of air is between 40% and 60%.
Low relative humidity can have adverse effects on the skin, airways, nasal membranes and eyes, causing irritation, and increases the ability of viruses and bacteria to spread in dry air.
On the other hand, high relative humidity increases the likelihood of dust mites as well as water drops that cause moulding may condense on cold surfaces, such as window frames.

The concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the room is a very important indicator of the microclimate. It is measured in parts per million or “ppm”.
The CO₂ level in the room should not exceed 800 ppm above the outdoor air CO₂, which is 350-400 ppm.
A CO₂ concentration of up to 1000 ppm is considered to be acceptable air quality.
Beyond this value, oxygen is reduced in the room causing people feel tiredness, drowsiness and even headache.

According to the Latvian construction standard, the quantity of fresh air supply in a room where one person is present and there are no other sources of air pollution should be 15 m³/h.
However, to maintain an optimal level of comfort and to remove all possible pollutants and humidity from the room, an air exchange of 20 to 30 m³/h should be ensured.