Humidity Control for University and College Campuses

Q: What decarbonization strategies are available for humidity control?

A key decarbonization strategy is to select humidification systems that operate on electricity rather than gas. This supports the use of energy from renewable or lower-carbon sources. In practice, this may involve replacing gas-fired humidifiers, or cold-water systems that rely on gas preheating, with electric steam humidifiers or other electrified solutions.

Q: Which dehumidifier has the lowest energy consumption?

As a general rule, condensing dehumidifiers use around 0.5–1.5 kW of electricity to remove 1 kg of moisture. Desiccant dehumidifiers typically require around 1–3 kW of electricity per kg of moisture removed. However, when effective heat recovery is used, a desiccant dehumidifier can achieve energy performance similar to a condensing dehumidifier.

Find your Condair expert

Benefits

Humidity control is beneficial in many ways across a university campus

Optimal conditions for research

Humidity control plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of materials and processes.

Healthy conditions for students and staff

Proper levels of humidity protect respiratory health and prevent airborne cross-infection.

Ideal atmosphere for preservation

Archives, libraries and museums all contain valuable materials that are sensitve to moisture.

Universities and higher education

Top of page Benefits USP Use Cases References FAQs

Humidity Control for Health

Indoor humidity between 40–60% RH supports healthier learning and working environments. Within this range, the respiratory system can better defend against airborne infection, while fewer infectious viruses remain airborne.

Lecture halls, classrooms and offices bring students, faculty and staff into shared spaces for extended periods. Proper humidity control helps reduce airborne transmission risks while supporting comfort, attendance and operational continuity.

Mid-range humidity also helps reduce dry eyes, itchy skin and dehydration, which can affect concentration, comfort and the ability to learn.

Use Cases

Discover Condair in action

Projects and references

Harvard University

Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, established 1636. Its history, influence and wealth have made it one of the most prestigious universities in the world.Condair RS steam humidifiers are helping maintain the ideal indoor humidity at Harvard University.

University of Television and Film (HFF), Munich - Germany

Condair hybrid humidifiers deliver precise, hygienic humidity control at Munich‚ The HFF University of Television and Film, ensuring comfort and ideal indoor conditions.

The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Switzerland

The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich is probably the best-known university in Switzerland and secures one of the top positions in the global ranking of universities on a regular basis. Founded in 1855 as the Swiss Federal Polytechnic, ETH is primarily dedicated to the technical, mathematical and scientific fields. Condair steam humidifiers ensure healthy and comfortable air humidity in the labs and classrooms.

Cern, Meyrin (Geneva), Switzerland

CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is a leading institution in modern physics and nuclear research. It attracts international scientists and engineers to explore the fundamental properties of the universe, notably through its Large Hadron Collider, where atoms are accelerated to nearly the speed of light and collide.

Visitors to CERN can gain engaging insights into particle physics at the Globe of Science and Innovation. This interactive exhibit offers a deeper understanding of CERN's fascinating research projects, while our Condair RS steam humidifiers ensure optimal air moisture levels for a comfortable experience.

Adams State College

Adams State University is a small, state-supported liberal arts university in Alamosa, Colorado, U.S., in the San Luis Valley, home to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

Ashland University

Ashland University is a mid-sized, private, non-profit university in Ashland, Ohio, United States. The university consists of a 135-acre main campus and several off-campus centers throughout central and northern Ohio.

California State University

California State University, is the second-oldest campus out of 23 in the California State University system. It is located in Chico, California, about ninety miles north of Sacramento.

Central Michigan University

Central Michigan University is a public research university located in Mount Pleasant in the U.S. state of Michigan. Established in 1892, Central Michigan University is one of the largest universities in the state of Michigan and one of the nation's 100 largest public universities. It has more than 20,000 students on its Mount Pleasant campus and 7,000 students enrolled online at more than 60 locations worldwide.

College of the Holy Cross

The College of the Holy Cross is a private Jesuit liberal arts college in Worcester, Massachusetts. Founded in 1843, Holy Cross is the oldest Catholic college in New England and one of the oldest in the United States.

Frequently asked questions

How can humidifier energy use across a university campus be minimized?

Energy use can be reduced by selecting lower-energy systems, such as cold-water humidifiers, especially when waste heat is available for preheating. Operating schedules can also be reviewed so humidification only runs when needed.

Seasonal setpoints may further reduce energy use by allowing lower humidity levels in winter than in summer, where appropriate. Humidity recovery systems and more accurate humidifiers can also help reduce overall load and operating time.

What decarbonization strategies are available for humidity control?

Which dehumidifier has the lowest energy consumption?

Systems often used on University and College campuses