--- title: Practical Tips to Control Your Museum's Environment description: Learn practical tips for controlling your museum's environment, including temperature, humidity, light exposure, and pest management, to protect and preserve your valuable collections. image: https://info.gaylord.com/hubfs/Blog_AK/MonitorMuseumEnvironment.png --- - [SHOP PRESERVATION](https://www.gaylord.com/c/Preservation) - [SHOP EXHIBIT](https://www.gaylord.com/c/Exhibit-and-Display) [![Gaylord Archival Resource Center](https://info.gaylord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GALogo-Transparent-3.png?width=65&height=79&name=GALogo-Transparent-3.png "Gaylord Archival Resource Center")](https://info.gaylord.com/resources/home) Search toggle - [PRESERVATION](https://info.gaylord.com/resources/tag/preservation) PRESERVATION - [ARCHIVAL BASICS](https://info.gaylord.com/resources/tag/archival-basics) - [COLLECTIBLES](https://info.gaylord.com/resources/tag/collectibles-artifacts) - [BOOKS](https://info.gaylord.com/resources/tag/books) - 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Search # Practical Tips to Control Your Museum's Environment ![Practical Tips to Control Your Museum's Environment](https://info.gaylord.com/hubfs/Blog_AK/MonitorMuseumEnvironment.png) Environmental control is essential for protecting your collections. Here are some practical tips to help you monitor and manage the environment. ## Focus on temperature and humidity control 🌡️ Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can cause significant damage to historical artifacts. Aim to keep the temperature stable, ideally between 68-72°F (18-22ºC), and maintain relative humidity (RH) around 45-55% for most collections, with changes limited to just a few degrees or percentage points to avoid stress on materials. Using [digital hygrometers and thermometers](https://www.gaylord.com/c/Temperature-and-Humidity-Monitors-0), regularly monitor these conditions and consider investing in a data logger for continuous monitoring alerts. If your budget allows, climate control systems (such as HVAC systems with calibrated humidifiers and dehumidifiers) provide the most precise regulation. However, simpler solutions like portable dehumidifiers, fans or well-sealed exhibit cases can also help improve stability.  ## Pay attention to light exposure 💡 Light, especially UV light, causes materials to fade, discolor and deteriorate. Minimize exposure by using [UV-filtering films](https://www.gaylord.com/c/Light-Filters-0) on windows and display cases, and opt for LED lighting, which emits less UV and heat than incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. Limit the duration and intensity of light exposure by turning off exhibit and storage lights when not needed, and consider rotating sensitive items on display to reduce total exposure. Use [display cases](https://info.gaylord.com/exhibit-and-display-cases) with UV-filtering for added protection. Remember, light damage is irreversible!   ## Consider pest management 🐜 Pests like insects and rodents can cause irreversible damage. Establish a comprehensive [Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan](https://info.gaylord.com/resources/getting-started-with-ipm-webinar-recording) that includes regular inspection of collection and storage areas for pest activity. Use [sticky and pheromone traps](https://www.gaylord.com/c/Pest-Control)to detect problems early, and keep spaces clean and clutter-free to reduce pests' access to materials.  By proactively monitoring temperature, humidity, light, and air quality, and staying vigilant about pests, small museums and historical societies can meaningfully extend the life of their collections and ensure that valuable artifacts are preserved for future generations. ### Share: [Share on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://info.gaylord.com/resources/practical-tips-to-control-your-environment&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook) [Share on LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://info.gaylord.com/resources/practical-tips-to-control-your-environment&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin) [Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://info.gaylord.com/resources/practical-tips-to-control-your-environment&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&url=https://info.gaylord.com/resources/practical-tips-to-control-your-environment&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Practical%20Tips%20to%20Control%20Your%20Museum's%20Environment) [Environmental Control](https://info.gaylord.com/resources/tag/environmental-control), [Monitoring](https://info.gaylord.com/resources/tag/monitoring) ## Related posts Resources provided here are based on general circumstances. Depending on the condition and significance of your collection, it may require special care. Certain actions may cause irreversible damage. When in doubt, [Find an Expert \>](https://community.culturalheritage.org/expertsearch) ### Are we missing something? If you can't find the information you're looking for, we want to know! [Suggest a Resource \>](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VFG5D5S) ![Gaylord Archival: Preserve Today. Share Tomorrow.](https://info.gaylord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gaylord%20Archival%20Logos%20-%20Horizontal-02.png?width=500&name=Gaylord%20Archival%20Logos%20-%20Horizontal-02.png "Gaylord Archival: Preserve Today. 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