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A hygrometer [haɪˈɡrɒmɪtə] is an instrument used for measuring the moisture content in the atmosphere – All about hygrometers

How does a hygrometer work? Which information and usage do I get from a hygrometer? Which types are available? How to choose the best hygrometer? That are question we will try to answer with this website. Which is all about hygrometers and humidity.

How Hygrometers Work

Hygrometers work in different ways depending on the application or purpose for testing moisture content in the air. The simplest type of hygrometer uses human hair, which causes strands to expand or contract to move a needle. The most common type of hygrometer, which is called a psychrometer, uses two thermometers: one with a wet bulb and one with a dry bulb. Temperatures drop as moisture evaporates from the wet bulb, and the relative humidity is determined by comparing the temperature differences between the two thermometers. Both hair and wet/dry hygrometers measure relative humidity reasonably accurately in a closed-room environment. You can find here more information about the science behind hygrometers.

Use cases for hygrometers

There are a lot of different use cases for hygrometers. A big differentation is between private home usage and industrial and other commercial usage. In your home you can use hygrometers to to ensure comfort, reduce energy use, prevent condensation mold and allergies and control the bad effects of dry air, which include breathing difficulties, itchy skin and static-electricity sparks. Just to name a few examples. More information: Home Uses for Hygrometers.

To high or low humidity can be a big problem in a lot of industries. Excess moisture in polyethylene production decreases yields, so checking ethylene feed lines for moisture is critical for maximum production. Just to name an example – a lot more can be found in our article about commercial and industrial uses of hygrometers.