How a Whole-House Humidifier Benefits Your Household
January 11, 2015
It is extremely important to keep humidity levels just right in the home. Not enough moisture can be detrimental to the home and its family members. Too much moisture can cause mold and mildew and attract insects. The best way to eliminate the guesswork and keep a home at the perfect humidity level is to depend on an energy-efficient whole-house humidifier.
How It Works
A whole-house humidifier works by introducing humidity through the air vents throughout the entire home. Installed directly into the heating and air conditioning unit, the amount of water vapor present in the air is monitored and controlled simply by adjusting the thermostat. This allows a consistent level of moisture to exist in the home, year-round. By utilizing a hygrometer to measure humidity levels, a whole-house humidifier is able to create moisture in the air at the same time the air is being heated by the furnace. No special water is needed to operate a whole-house humidifier — only the existing household water system.
Increased Comfort
Perhaps the most appreciated result of having a whole-house humidifier installed is how comfortable homeowners feel. In the wintertime, many people complain of dry skin and scratchy throats. However, when enough moisture is present in the air, this is not a problem. Air that contains more humidity also feels naturally warmer than dry air does at the same temperature.
Improved Health
Respiratory problems may also be prevented through the use of a whole-house humidifier. Dry air can aggravate sinus problems and even cause nosebleeds, which encourage the spread of viruses. Air that contains moisture is healthier to breathe in. It helps stopped unwanted conditions such as chapped lips, itchy skin and a dry throat. Humidified air can even help reduce snoring in certain individuals.
Protect Your Home
If the air in the home is too dry, this can cause all sorts of problems. For example, hardwood flooring may crack or dull as a result. Walls and even electronics can warp if the air in the home is too dry. Moisture is then drawn out of porous materials such as furniture, woodwork and pianos. Not only is humidified air better for home belongings, it is better for the wallet. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that up to 4 percent can be saved in heating costs for every degree that a thermostat is lowered. Buildings with whole-home humidifiers benefit from this, as they are able to keep the thermostat lower because the air feels warmer.
There are many reasons why installing a whole-house humidifier just makes sense. Discover for yourself why whole-house humidifiers are becoming so popular. Contact the experts at Cullins One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning®!