Do you need relief from the dry winter air? A humidifier does the trick every time. Keep reading to learn about the importance of humidifiers and how you could benefit from one in your home.
A humidifier is a household device that heats water to create water vapor. This water vapor is released into the air to increase its moisture content.
How Does a Humidifier Work?
As temperatures drop during the fall and winter months, moisture levels in the air decrease. Humidifiers help offset this decrease in moisture by controlling the humidity levels in your home. In other words, humidifiers add moisture—in the form of water vapor—to the air.
2 Types of Humidifiers & How They Differ
You have two main types of humidifiers to choose from:
1. Whole House
A whole-house humidifier is a device that’s installed in your HVAC and/or plumbing systems. They’re relatively large in size, more affordable, easy to clean, and require no maintenance.
2. Portable
Portable humidifiers are devices that can be transported between locations. Their smaller, more lightweight build makes them ideal for people on the go. These humidifiers have a higher upfront cost and require more frequent maintenance.
7 Benefits of Using a Humidifier When It’s Cold Outside
Both whole-house and portable humidifiers offer the following benefits:
1. Soothe Dry Skin
Humidifiers protect your skin against dehydration by increasing the air’s moisture content. This keeps your skin—including your lips—feeling and looking hydrated all winter long.
2. Lower Your Risk of Infection
While dry winter air puts you at greater risk of sickness, the moisture produced by humidifiers keeps your nasal passages and airways healthy. Since viruses and bacteria are less transmissible in warm, humid environments, dehumidifiers reduce the spread of airborne contaminants that cause various respiratory problems.
3. Improve Comfort
Humid air contains more heat, which keeps you warm inside during the cold winter months. Staying warm when it’s cold outside is the key to achieving optimal comfort.
4. Enhance Energy Efficiency
When the air in your home is warmer, your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard to produce as much heat. You can even bump the thermostat temperature down a few degrees to save money on your energy bill.
5. Prevent Snoring
While dry air can cause inflammation that triggers snoring, water vapor produced by humidifiers keeps your throat moist. If you’re a nighttime mouth breather, your significant other won’t have to worry about being kept awake by snoring.
6. Prevent Wood Damage
Dry air causes wood in your home to dry out. Wood floors, paneling, and furniture last longer in humid environments due to optimal moisture levels.
7. Relieve Asthma Symptoms
Moist air helps to remove allergens that aggravate asthma. It also reduces throat irritation, making breathing easier.
How to Avoid White Dust From a Humidifier
Minerals from your home’s water supply—such as calcium and magnesium—build up on your humidifier and dry out over time. Eventually, these dried-up minerals create white dust that can clog the device and slow water vapor production.
You can prevent this buildup of white dust by:
- Emptying the water tank daily and letting it dry before adding more water
- Clean the humidifier regularly, from the inside out
- Only fill the humidifier with filtered or distilled water
The Chicago’s Leading HVAC Contractor & Product Provider
Do you suffer from dry skin, seasonal allergies, or nighttime snoring? Learn more about Air-Rite’s top-of-the-line humidifiers. By offering precise humidity control, they can provide the relief you need. Contact Air-Rite Heating & Cooling, Inc. today to find the right humidifier for your home.