PRESERVATION LEAFLET

THE ENVIRONMENT
2.2 Monitoring Temperature and Relative Humidity
INTRODUCTION the best circumstances, monitoring will indicate that
Collection materials are vulnerable to damage from available climate control equipment is operating at its
the surrounding environment whether they are ideal capacity. When conditions are not ideal, an
paper, wood, film, leather, parchment, or metal. environmental monitoring program can be very
While we cannot eliminate all of the causes for decay useful in:
of our cultural records, we can significantly slow
deterioration by managing the storage environment. • providing data showing that current climate
Managing fundamentals of the storage environment control equipment is inadequate;
such as temperature and relative humidity can be • documenting the severity of existing problems
challenging because day-to-day needs and human and supporting the need to add or change
comfort may take precedence over longer-term machinery;
climate control activities. • evaluating the effect of changes that have already
been made to existing climate control equipment;
However, monitoring the environment is a and
foundational element of an overall preservation • guarding against any environmental extremes
program. The development of a monitoring program that might occur during normal operations.
involves gathering information about the institution’s
building and systems, determining the priority MONITORING THE ENVIRONMENT
collections that support the institution’s mission, and Computerized building management systems (BMS)
analyzing the needs and vulnerabilities of collections. are often used by facilities staff to monitor climate
This process requires the participation of both conditions and control HVAC equipment in large
collections care staff and facilities staff to formulate buildings or groups of buildings. While these systems
the best plan for managing the needs of storage can be used to provide temperature and relative
spaces within overall management of the institution. humidity data for analysis, there are a few important
considerations:
THE ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAM
In order to have an accurate record of existing • The system’s sensors must be recalibrated
environmental conditions throughout a building, periodically to ensure accuracy.
temperature and RH must be measured and recorded • Sensors must be located properly to ensure that
with instruments designed for that purpose. The they reflect the climate conditions the collection
focus of most monitoring programs is on storage is experiencing.
spaces, but keeping track of public and staff spaces as • Some sensors should be located in return air
well will provide a better overall picture of conditions ducts to measure air from the controlled space.
in the entire building. Concrete, accurate data will • The computerized management system must
document the capability of current climate control contain correct locations for the sensors.
systems and provide a basis on which practical
temperature and RH goals can be set—particularly in There are various instruments available to measure
terms of the limitations of existing equipment. Under temperature and RH independently of a BMS. These

NEDCC, 100 Brickstone Square, Andover, MA 01810-1494 • 978-470-1010 • www.nedcc.org

instruments fall into two categories: those that recalibrated periodically (as recommended by the
provide "snapshot" measurements (i.e., a record of manufacturer).
conditions at a specific moment) and those that • Min/max digital hygrothermographs keep a
provide a continuous record of climate conditions. record of the highest and lowest temperature and
Consider cost, output, precision, durability, and ease humidity since the instrument was last reset
of use to determine which type of device is best for manually; this can be done at any desired time
your needs. interval (e.g., once a day, every morning and
evening, once a week). Humidity measurements
"Snapshot" Monitoring Devices tend to be accurate only to about ±5% at mid-
range temperatures (accuracy may be less at
“Snapshot” type instruments provide only a rough temperature extremes), but these instruments
picture of the environment and are dependent on can provide a broad outline of climate conditions.
human participation to read and record data
(participation that may not be available after hours or
on holidays). Because monitoring by spot readings is
labor intensive and human dependent, independent
monitoring using continuous recording instruments is
recommended.

• Thermometers can provide accurate temperature

information. A standard thermometer that
measures the entire range of foreseeable
conditions in a building is satisfactory.
• Humidity indicator strips or color cards are an
inexpensive humidity-monitoring device. Some
are reversible and thus can be reused, while
others are for one-time use. Humidity indicator
strips provide only approximate readings, but can
be useful for indicating extreme conditions. Snapshot monitoring devices including a
• Battery-operated (motor-blower) psychrometer psychrometer, a digital humidity/temperature
is a hand-held instrument that measures relative meter, and thermometers with humidity indicators.
humidity. These are moderately priced and can
be moved to monitor a wide variety of spaces. Continuous Monitoring Devices
Replacement batteries should always be on hand. Data loggers are the most commonly used
It should be noted that they can be complicated continuous recording devices in cultural heritage
to read and require pre-treated water to operate. institutions. Recording hygrothermographs were the
The non-battery equivalent, the sling standard for many years, but they have been
psychrometer, is not recommended because of replaced with digital data loggers. Data loggers are
the difficulty in getting accurate readings. easy to use and allow the user to create graphs that
• An electronic temperature/humidity meter is allow for more robust data analysis.
another hand-held instrument that uses a
calibrated sensor to measure RH at a known Data loggers are battery-powered instruments that
temperature. While they are easy to use, many of use electronic sensors and a computer chip to record
the models may be accurate only to ±3-5% and temperature and RH at intervals determined by the
may take several minutes to react to humidity user. Data is downloaded to a computer, and the
changes. These instruments need to be associated data logger software allows the user to
produce customized charts and graphs that illustrate
conditions over time. Data loggers can be moved
2 • NEDCC • Leaflet 2.2: Monitoring Temperature and Relative Humidity • w w w . n e d c c . o r g
easily to monitor different locations with a single Calibration of Hygrometers and Hygrothermographs
monitor, provided the data logger’s memory is erased at
before the logger is moved to a new location. https://www.nps.gov/museum/publications/conserv
eogram/03-02.pdf Error! Hyperlink reference not
Purchasing data loggers is an investment. Consider valid.. For all other maintenance, follow the
some of the following questions when deciding on manufacturer’s recommendations in the manual.
what type of data logger to purchase:

• What is the building structure like? Some data

loggers use Bluetooth or your wireless network to
send data to a main computer, a function which
may not be possible in all buildings.
• What type of building management system is
used? The information recorded by some data
loggers can easily be incorporated into a building
management system (BMS), so that the data can
be meshed with data collected from the BMS as
well.
• What is the software like? Some data loggers
come with software that can do most of the Recording hygrothermograph
analysis for you. Others provide only simple
graphs. Deciding What Equipment to Buy
• How is the space used? Some data loggers are Cost, complexity, and time will inform your purchase
small and unobtrusive; others are quite large. decision. Look at options from a number of suppliers
Depending on where you plan on placing your and compare the features and prices of their
loggers, you might consider how they will be equipment. If the supplier does not provide all the
seen—or if you want them to be seen. information you need, ask questions. The National
• What is the required frequency of Park Service and the Conservation Center for Art &
measurements and downloads? Data loggers Historic Artifacts have both done comparisons on
have different memory capacities and, depending different types of loggers
on how frequently measurements are taken, will (http://www.nps.gov/museum/publications/conserv
require downloads. eogram/03-03.pdf and
• How accurate do the readings need to be? Some https://ccaha.org/sites/default/files/attachments/20
loggers use sensors that are temperature- 19-
compensated—meaning the logger can provide 11/2019%20Environmental%20Datalogger%20Quick
about 3% accuracy for RH over a wide range of %20Comparison%20Chart.pdf).Talk to colleagues
temperature and humidity—while others do not. who have developed environmental-monitoring
Also, some sensors may have a "time-lag" of 4 or programs for their input on how well their devices
5 minutes if the humidity is falling. This would be are working. Finally, some organizations (e.g. state
a disadvantage if frequent sampling is required. library programs) offer monitoring equipment on
loan, and you can try out whatever equipment is
Recording hygrothermographs are still in use in available and/or use the loan program in lieu of
many institutions. Regular maintenance is essential purchasing your own equipment.
since they are expensive to replace.
Hygrothermographs also require periodic calibration, The following questions are important to ask in
preferably quarterly. For information on calibration, making an informed decision:
see the National Park Service’s Conserve-O-Gram 3.2, 1. How will you use the data? Are you recording
the effect of the operating changes of your

3 • NEDCC • Leaflet 2.2: Monitoring Temperature and Relative Humidity • w w w . n e d c c . o r g

 climate-control equipment or do you want to National Climatic Data Center (www.ncdc.noaa.gov),
document when conditions in your collection fall and some monitoring software can link automatically
outside acceptable limits? to the closest weather station.
2. What are the extremes of temperature and RH
that the instrument needs to measure? Will your Placement of Monitoring Equipment
instrument record the entire predictable range? The position of monitoring instruments is an
3. How precise do your measurements need to important decision. Placement of instruments can
be? impact the accuracy of the measurements or may
4. Do you need to record information when the raise concerns among staff and users as to their
building is unoccupied? purpose. Fundamentally, equipment should be
5. What resources are available for calibration, placed above floor level; away from the direct flow of
operation, and maintenance? Who will be air vents; not on or near heating, cooling, or humidity
responsible for these tasks, and what skills do control equipment; and not adjacent to doors and
they have? Can you afford both a recording windows (unless you want to record the impact they
instrument and a calibration instrument? have).
6. How many spaces to you need to monitor and
for how long? How many units will you need?
7. Is the accompanying software (if any) easy to
use, and does it provide the data and analysis
you need? The Image Permanence Institute’s
online software program, eClimateNotebook
(https://www.eclimatenotebook.com/), is an
example of software that is compatible with a
number of different dataloggers.

THE MONITORING PROGRAM IN PRACTICE

A good environmental monitoring program will
include a written plan for the placement of recording Map showing placement options for monitors
instruments, how to collect information, when to
collect information, how to present information, and For example, in the above library—for general
how to maintain instruments. Monitoring should be monitoring—place the monitoring device in any of
the assigned responsibility of a specific person within the locations marked by an arrow at about mid-shelf
the institution (with a designated back-up person to height and positioned to prevent the monitor from
cover during absences and vacations). If monitoring being disturbed. The monitor should be away from
depends on a manual—rather than an automatic— the entrance since readings near an exterior door can
recording instrument, the plan should lay out when be quite variable.
and how often to take measurements to reflect the
widest variation in conditions. If a limited number of monitoring instruments are
available, or if you have only short-term loan of
Records of historical weather conditions and special equipment, a reasonably accurate profile of
events (exhibit openings, for example) can help to conditions in several spaces can be developed by
explain variations in monitoring data. For example, a leaving an instrument in each area for at least 3
special event where an unusual number of visitors months. The most important information to look at in
are in a space can alter temperature and RH levels, these snapshots will be the extremes of temperature
causing a spike on the data printout. Regional and humidity and the speed and extent of changes. In
weather records are available from the National all cases, it is important to collect at least a year’s
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA), worth of monitoring data in any one location before

4 • NEDCC • Leaflet 2.2: Monitoring Temperature and Relative Humidity • w w w . n e d c c . o r g

making any substantial changes to building systems major alterations before they can provide an
or collection locations, since climate conditions in a environment that is compatible with the needs of
single space can differ greatly during the different their contents. In these cases, it may be necessary to
seasons. relocate collections to provide conditions suitable for
preservation.
Environmental monitoring data serves no purpose
unless it is part of an ongoing environmental The collections formats in any given institution have
management process. Whether it is downloaded and different vulnerabilities and require specific storage
analyzed using a computer program or plotted on conditions. For more information on the
graphs and analyzed by hand, data will be most recommended storage environments for various
useful if recorded on a regular basis. When recording collection materials, see NEDCC leaflet 2.1,
information manually, or if using a recording Temperature, Relative Humidity, Light, and Air
hygrothermograph, label each chart or form with the Quality: Basic Guidelines for Preservation,
location, date, initials of monitor’s name, and https://www.nedcc.org/free-resources/preservation-
recalibration information (date, time, how altered). leaflets/2.-the-environment/2.1-temperature,-
Any data gathered can be kept in a physical or digital relative-humidity,-light,-and-air-quality-basic-
folder in an easily accessible location so that guidelines-for-preservation.
stakeholders in the institution can reference it when
needed for reporting, maintenance, or budgeting. It is also very important to understand the value and
relative importance of collections to your institution.
EVALUATING CLIMATE AND COLLECTION NEEDS Some materials may require stricter climate control
Regularly gathered data can be used to improve by virtue of their relevance to the institution’s
environmental conditions for collections, people, and mission, their research value in their original state,
buildings. When determining equipment settings, their importance to the collection, or their monetary
there is no right or wrong set point for all collections value.
and, often, institutional energy requirements will
necessitate changing or negotiating desired settings. Facilities staff should be encouraged and welcomed
The manager of the monitoring program and the to participate as partners in the monitoring and
institution’s facilities staff can use the accumulated decision-making processes. Facilities staff are in a
data to determine the actual conditions in each position to consider long-term environmental trends
monitored area, assess the effect of those conditions in relation to day-to-day needs. They are also
on the collections, evaluate the capabilities of the knowledgeable about the building and how it and the
current climate control system(s), and make changes existing systems work and interact with one another.
or redistribute collections accordingly. It is worth noting that HVAC systems are seldom
optimally used, even when all the components are in
Every building and environmental control system will place. A building maintenance engineer or the
have limitations, and it is important to recognize contractor responsible for the HVAC system can often
these limits when making climate-control decisions. improve its performance if data is available. Simple
Climate control ranges from completely uncontrolled actions such as resetting thermostats, replacing
to sophisticated systems that provide accurate filters, or even rearranging furniture to unblock vents
control for heating, cooling, and humidification or can help to improve the environment and cut down
dehumidification. Knowing what systems exist and on costs.
what impact existing systems or new systems may
have on the building envelope is important. Un- HOW TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT
insulated, historic buildings can be damaged simply Once collection needs, current climate conditions,
by the installation of a central heating or and system capabilities have been determined,
humidification system. Such buildings may need measures to improve environmental conditions for

5 • NEDCC • Leaflet 2.2: Monitoring Temperature and Relative Humidity • w w w . n e d c c . o r g

museum, library, and archival collections might problems cannot be solved by simple adjustments
include: and routine maintenance, it may be necessary to
have the system professionally rebalanced. Balancing
• removal of collections from attics, which tend to is a process that measures airflow and other
be hot, or basements, which can be damp; characteristics of HVAC systems and may require the
• ensuring windows and doors are well sealed expertise of a professional HVAC or environmental
against the outdoors with caulk, window control engineer. For best results, select an engineer
coverings, weatherstripping, etc.; with experience in collections-holding institutions. If
• creation of storage spaces segregated by type of no one with this specific experience is available in
material (determined by each format’s your region, seek an engineer with experience in
environmental needs); climate-control of computer facilities, which can have
• improvements in insulation and building seals; similar requirements. A design that works well for a
• use of portable air conditioners, humidifiers, hotel or shopping mall will not work for library and
and/or dehumidifiers. It is critical to remember archival collections, a historic building, or a museum.
that temperature and RH are intimately related Ask for references from clients whose needs may
and the correction of one factor may alter the have been similar to your own and talk to those
balance of other important factors (e.g., a clients about the success or failure of the system
dehumidifier may generate enough heat to designed for them. Make sure your consultant
require additional cooling); and/or understands what your ideal conditions and
• installation of central environmental controls. minimum requirements will be.

Common solutions to frequently encountered climate CONCLUSION

problems include: As experts study and understand the interaction of all
storage factors, managing the environment has come
• adjusting settings to accommodate for winter and to mean more than simply setting temperature and
summer conditions (for example, cold and dry or RH targets and checking for deviation from them. The
hot and humid); needs and vulnerabilities of collections must be taken
• moving collections off of walls and into the into account, as well as the capabilities and
centers of rooms to combat problems with limitations of an institution’s building and systems.
condensation for institutions that close during the Accurate environmental monitoring data is one of the
winter months; and most important tools in determining whether existing
• sealing windows with plastic in the winter and conditions meet the needs of collections throughout
using weatherstripping on doors. a facility. A properly conducted, systematic
monitoring program will enable an institution to
If the existing climate-control equipment was accurately assess current success and future needs,
designed to produce the desired conditions, but as well as to maximize the use of current resources.

RESOURCES
American Institute for Conservation (AIC). “Environmental Guidelines: Museum Climate in a Changing World.”
Accessed 4 April 2022. https://www.conservation-wiki.com/wiki/Environmental_Guidelines

Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts. “2019 Lower-Cost Environmental Datalogger Quick
Comparison Chart,” 2019. Accessed 4 April 2022. https://ccaha.org/sites/default/files/attachments/2019-
11/2019%20Environmental%20Datalogger%20Quick%20Comparison%20Chart.pdf

“Chapter 24: Museums, Galleries, Archives, and Libraries” in ASHRAE Handbook: HVAC Applications, 2019.

6 • NEDCC • Leaflet 2.2: Monitoring Temperature and Relative Humidity • w w w . n e d c c . o r g

Grattan, David, and Stefan Michalski. “Environmental Guidelines for Museums.” Ottawa: Canadian
Conservation Institute, modified 2017-09-21. Accessed 4 April 2022.
https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/preventive-conservation/environmental-
guidelines-museums.html

Image Permanence Institute (IPI). Dew Point Calculator. Accessed 4 April 2022. http://www.dpcalc.org/

IPI publications. Dates vary. Downloads at

https://www.imagepermanenceinstitute.org/education/publications.html. Accessed 4 April 2022.

Environmental Management and Mechanical System Quick Reference, 2014. https://s3.cad.rit.edu/ipi-

assets/publications/hvac_reference.pdf

IPI’s Guide to Sustainable Preservation Practices for Managing Storage Environments, 2012.
https://s3.cad.rit.edu/ipi-
assets/publications/sustainable_preservation_practices/sustainable_preservation_practices_all.pdf

IPI’s Methodology for Implementing Sustainable Energy-Saving Strategies for Collections Environments,
2017. https://s3.cad.rit.edu/ipi-
assets/publications/methodology_guidebook/methodology_guidebook_all.pdf

The Role of Dew Point in Sustainable Environmental Management, 2016. https://s3.cad.rit.edu/ipi-

assets/publications/dew_point.pdf

Understanding Preservation Metrics, 2007. https://s3.cad.rit.edu/ipi-

assets/publications/understanding_preservation_metrics.pdf

IPI webinars. Dates vary. Available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/c/ImagePermanenceInstitute.

Accessed 4 April 2022.

“Energy Monitoring for Cultural Heritage Institutions,” 2021. https://youtu.be/gO7Xaygwb2c

“Evaluating Collection Spaces,” 2019. https://youtu.be/eS-lsbdjLXc

“Introduction to HVAC Systems,” 2021. https://youtu.be/v4yWRQC57wg

“Responding to Issues,” 2020. https://youtu.be/XpLoNe3GrxE

“Setting Appropriate Parameters,” 2020. https://youtu.be/An2lq7sYnWk

“Understanding Fluctuations and Equilibrations,” 2020. https://youtu.be/AkCpK1ORWrw

International Council of Museums – Committee for Conservation. “Environmental Guidelines ICOM-CC and IIC
Declaration,” 2014. Accessed 4 April 2022. https://www.icom-cc.org/en/environmental-guidelines-icom-cc-
and-iic-declaration

7 • NEDCC • Leaflet 2.2: Monitoring Temperature and Relative Humidity • w w w . n e d c c . o r g

National Park Service. Conserv-O-Gram 3-2: Calibration of Hygrometers and Hygrothermographs, 1993.
Accessed 4 April 2022. http://www.nps.gov/museum/publications/conserveogram/03-02.pdf

National Park Service. Conserv-o-Gram 3-3: Comparing Temperature and Relative Humidity Dataloggers for
Museum Monitoring, 2011. Accessed 4 April 2022.
http://www.nps.gov/museum/publications/conserveogram/03-03.pdf

NEDCC. Preservation Leaflet 2-1: Temperature, Relative Humidity, Light, and Air Quality: Basic Guidelines for
Preservation, 1999. Accessed 4 April 2022. https://www.nedcc.org/free-resources/preservation-leaflets/2.-
the-environment/2.1-temperature,-relative-humidity,-light,-and-air-quality-basic-guidelines-for-preservation

Pacifico, Michele F. and Thomas P. Wilstead. Archival and Special Collections Facilities: Guidelines for
Archivists, Librarians, Architects, and Engineers. Chicago: Society of American Archivists, 2009.
https://mysaa.archivists.org/productdetails?id=a1B0b00000el1A5EAI

Wilstead, Thomas P. Planning New and Remodeled Archival Facilities. Chicago: Society of American Archivists,
2007. https://mysaa.archivists.org/productdetails?id=a1B0b00000gJe1iEAC

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Written by NEDCC staff. Updated by Ann Marie Willer, 2022.

© 2007. Revised 2022. Northeast Document Conservation Center. All rights reserved.

8 • NEDCC • Leaflet 2.2: Monitoring Temperature and Relative Humidity • w w w . n e d c c . o r g