Comparative study of air-conditioned and non air-conditioned museums

Abstract

Museums are increasingly becoming aware of the need for good environmental control in order to slow down the effects of environmental instability on objects. In theory, air-conditioning can provide this level of control, but at a price. For example, many museums are housed in historic buildings where it is very difficult and expensive to install air-conditioning, and maintenance and running costs are high in terms of energy and personnel. Furthermore, the introduction of air-conditioning in an historic structure is questionable. Using monitored data from air-conditioned and non air-conditioned historic house museums, this paper examines the level of environmental control that air-conditioning provides in practice. Analysis of monitored temperature and humidity data suggests that air-conditioning does not always provide tight control or a more stable environment. A new attitude to environmental control is required among both building designers and museum professionals in order to achieve agreement on an acceptable level of environmental control at an affordable price.

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