Though humidity is well known to cause discomfort during the hot summer months, few homeowners might realize how important it is, especially during winter. Some homeowners are likely to consider investing in humidifiers to help ease seasonal health issues and make staying at home more comfortable. But others ask one question; do I need a humidifier in my home?
While there are many benefits to owning a humidifier, there are drawbacks; no appliance or system is without them. As a result, the answer depends on your preference. So, to help you decide whether you should invest in one, we’ve put together this article on how a typical humidifier works.
Then, once you’ve made your choice, just call our team at Hurliman Heating & Air Conditioning for help.
How Does a Humidifier Work
Humidifiers are, at their simplest, appliances that help increase the humidity of the air by releasing water vapor or steam. Depending on your home’s location, climate, and size, the type of humidifier can vary from small, portable systems to massive, whole-house systems. How a humidifier releases water vapor can also change from model to model, though evaporative humidifiers are the most common.
As a cool mist humidifier, evaporative humidifiers often have a motor to help speed up evaporation. Instead of heating the water it supplies, the system pulls the water to the active motor, forcing it into tiny water droplets. A fan inside the humidifier then blows the droplets through a damp filter that further breaks the droplets into a vapor that’s released into the room.
Signs You Need a Humidifier in Your Home
Often referred to as the amount of moisture in the air, the best way to tell if you need a humidifier is by checking for these signs. There‘s a relatively high chance that you don’t notice the sudden lack of moisture and might even prefer to avoid humidity. However, most households will appreciate the ability to humidify their homes properly, especially in the extreme dry spells that are frequent in the middle of summer and winter.
Your Skin Always Seems Dry
When it comes to dry and itchy skin, it’s important to remember that it’s not always the lack of proper skin products in your daily routine. Low humidity in your home can often cause discomfort; dry skin is just one of those many signs. The dry air can leach moisture out of your skin, leaving behind that itchy and scaly feeling.
Getting a humidifier can quickly solve this issue. And while a whole-house humidifier is the best option, a portable version can quickly fix your problem just as well!
You Always Seem Sick
To some people, one great answer to “How do I know if I need a humidifier” is if you show signs that you’re sick even when you aren’t. Just like with your skin, a scratchy throat and dry eyes are just signs of low humidity. Investing in a humidifier should get rid of these symptoms for good.
The Benefits of a Humidifier
Though quite a few of the benefits of humidifiers are centered around easing health-related problems, there are a few more benefits that the system has for your home. The best way to answer “Do I need a humidifier” for yourself is to consider whether you want these benefits, even if you haven’t noticed any signs yet.
Better Home Protection
Though it might seem odd at first, humidifiers greatly help homeowners with a lot of wood furniture and flooring. Dry air can draw moisture from any surface, not just your body. An efficient humidifier can easily protect your furniture and floors from warping and cracking.
Better Breathing
Another benefit that can help you answer “Do I need a humidifier” is improved air quality. Though humidifiers don’t clean the air of any allergens, the moisture it releases can help improve your breathing.
Part of the reason humidifiers help ease certain illnesses is that it helps moisten and soothe dry nasal passages. The moisture also can help ease – or at the least, reduce – asthma or respiratory-related issues for much of the same reasons; dry air can often aggravate your nose and lungs.
Possible Drawbacks of Buying a Humidifier
Of course, there are a few drawbacks to owning and using a humidifier. Since it doesn’t clean out the allergens and dirt from the air, it can instead stick to the humidifier. If it isn’t regularly cleaned, those bacteria can be sent into the air and cause colds if not more severe health problems.
Additionally, if you don’t use a whole-house humidifier, you must take care to avoid raising the humidity past a certain point to prevent mold growth and damage. Aim to keep the humidity between 40% to 60% ideally, though 10% higher or lower than the range works just as well,
The Best Time to Invest In A Humidifier with Hurliman
If you’re interested in buying a humidifier or we’ve managed to convince you, knowing the best time to buy one can help guide your decision. Winter is often the time of the year that requires humidifiers since the cold air often contains less moisture and heat. So, to choose the best-suited humidifier for your home, wait till fall, then contact us at Hurliman Heating & Air Conditioning for installation help.
