EcoRenovator - View Single Post

Xringer · 01-04-11, 12:59 PM

I wonder what if warm moist air is much heavier than dry air,
and would warm micro-droplets sink into the cool dense air near the floor.?.

We recently replaced our old (loud) humidifier with a newer
(quieter) more effective unit. The humidity has gone up
from about 20-23 % to a soild 33 to 35 %...

During the last 24 hours, I've noticed what seems to be an increased heating power usage.
(Sanyo mini-split ASHP has been the only heat source).

Is it possible that warm moist air sinks to the floor faster,
and transfers it's heat into the cool floor a little faster (than drier air)??

This fall, we removed the carpet and the hardwood floor feels pretty cool,
since the basement isn't heated.
So, I'm thinking maybe hardwood is a good transfer medium for moving heat into the basement..

In the geothermal-slab cooled basement, the temperature of the uninsulated
ceiling is 4 to 5 degrees F warmer than wooden interior walls (@5' off the floor).

So, I'm guessing those subflooring boards are being warmed by Mr. Sanyo.

I know that air-space is an important part of insulation. Like having
some dry air between the glass of your windows.

Let's say my coffee table is at 22C and there is a nearby picture window
that's sucking heat out of my coffee table.. Does moist air enhance the transfer?

Is humidifying the living area air, increasing the heat loss??

Comments?

01-04-11, 12:59 PM	#7
Xringer Lex Parsimoniae Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Woburn, MA Posts: 4,918 Thanks: 114 Thanked 250 Times in 230 Posts	is warm moist air heavy? I wonder what if warm moist air is much heavier than dry air, and would warm micro-droplets sink into the cool dense air near the floor.?. We recently replaced our old (loud) humidifier with a newer (quieter) more effective unit. The humidity has gone up from about 20-23 % to a soild 33 to 35 %... During the last 24 hours, I've noticed what seems to be an increased heating power usage. (Sanyo mini-split ASHP has been the only heat source). Is it possible that warm moist air sinks to the floor faster, and transfers it's heat into the cool floor a little faster (than drier air)?? This fall, we removed the carpet and the hardwood floor feels pretty cool, since the basement isn't heated. So, I'm thinking maybe hardwood is a good transfer medium for moving heat into the basement.. In the geothermal-slab cooled basement, the temperature of the uninsulated ceiling is 4 to 5 degrees F warmer than wooden interior walls (@5' off the floor). So, I'm guessing those subflooring boards are being warmed by Mr. Sanyo. I know that air-space is an important part of insulation. Like having some dry air between the glass of your windows. Let's say my coffee table is at 22C and there is a nearby picture window that's sucking heat out of my coffee table.. Does moist air enhance the transfer? Is humidifying the living area air, increasing the heat loss?? Comments?