What is the purpose of a humidistat in an HVAC system?

A humidistat is a crucial component in an HVAC system, designed specifically to control and monitor humidity levels within a space. It functions similarly to a thermostat, but instead of tracking temperature, it measures the moisture content in the air.

Maintaining appropriate humidity levels is essential for comfort, health, and the efficient performance of HVAC equipment. High humidity can lead to mold growth and discomfort, while low humidity can cause dryness in the air, impacting skin and respiratory health. The humidistat helps keep these levels within the desired range, ensuring a comfortable indoor environment.

In contrast, other options relate to different functions within an HVAC system. Monitoring air pressure levels, measuring temperature, and filtering air contaminants are all critical tasks but are carried out by separate components such as pressure sensors, thermostats, and air filters, respectively. The specific role of the humidistat is focused solely on humidity control, distinguishing it from these other functions.