APPENDIX E 



PROPER AIR IN HOUSES 



THE facts presented in this book make it clear that the quality 

 of the air in our houses is even more important than is generally 

 realized. Little has been said, however, about how different kinds of 

 air feel, nor about methods of obtaining the right kind of air. Hence 

 this appendix discusses the effect of different kinds of air upon our 

 feelings, while Appendix F gives certain simple directions which will 

 enable the householder to have the right temperature and humidity 

 in his house with almost no outlay for equipment and with much 

 greater comfort. 



In order to realize the effect of moisture upon our feelings, step 

 into a greenhouse. Even in the cooler rooms where pansies, pinks, 

 and roses are growing, the air seems almost too warm, and has a fresh, 

 springlike quality. You could sit there comfortably all day in summer 

 clothing. Yet the thermometer stands at only 60° or at most 65°. In 

 a dwelling-house in winter such a temperature would make everyone 

 shiver. In the fall, however, dwelling-houses frequently have this 

 temperature and people feel quite comfortable. It is moisture that 

 makes the difference. The so-called "sensible" temperature, that is, 

 the effect of the air upon our senses is very different from the actual 

 temperature as measured by the ordinary thermometer. We see this 

 illustrated again and again in summer. On a damp day a temperature 

 of 90° often causes sunstroke. Yet in our dry western deserts the 

 same temperature does not feel particularly uncomfortable. The 

 evaporation there keeps people so cool that they can work actively in 

 the sun. 



One way of testing the relation between humidity and sensible 

 temperature is to watch the thermometer during the spring and fall. 



