Is Your Home Humid Enough?

When you live where we do, then you’re all too familiar with the experience of dry air. The missing moisture from the air can cause a host of problems in your home, especially this time of the year, as the temperatures cool and you need to use your heater more and more. Use of your HVAC systems actually help dehumidify your living space, exacerbating the problem with dry air and subsequent poor indoor air quality.

If you haven’t already taken advantage of a whole-house humidifier installation, the best time is now, while our current humidity levels are relatively balanced.

Chances are, you’ve seen portable humidifiers in drug stores, and you may even have one in your own home to help alleviate cold symptoms or allergy symptoms. But the whole-house humidifier tackles the root of the dry air problem.

The Problem with Low Humidity

The humidity in your indoor air is measured in terms of relative humidity—the percentage that details the amount of ambient moisture that exists in your air. The lower this percentage is, the drier the air is. Human beings are most comfortable when the relative humidity level rests between 30%-50%.

Anything below 30% relative humidity means that any moisture will be leeched from the air in your home. This includes drying out your skin, which can become red and itchy as a result. This dry air also creates static electricity and dries out sinuses, to make you and your family more prone to germs and other potential illnesses. This is especially detrimental for those who suffer from allergies and asthma.

As we alluded to above, running your heater only adds to the problem. Heaters dry out the air anyway, so if the relative humidity is already low, you’re going to quickly find yourself uncomfortable. Not only is dry air on its own a nuisance, but it actually makes cold air feel even colder. As a result, you’ll likely turn up your thermostat for increased comfort—but all you’re doing then is wasting energy.

The Whole-Home Humidifier Solution

A humidifier itself is a relatively simple system—it’s comprised of a wick or pad, being fed water by a reservoir. A fan blows over the top of the pad, sending moisture into the air through the ducts of your HVAC systems.

Most times, the level of moisture can be adjusted to suit your specific needs, allowing you to retain comfort levels in your living space, no matter what the weather is outside. A whole-home humidifier offers a number of other benefits, too, including:

• No More Static Electricity: We get it, it can be fun—and funny—to slide in your socks across the carpet on a dry day in order to “shock” a sibling. However, by the time you’re an adult, static electricity and the effects of it can become pretty old.
• Lowered Risk of Illness: This is a considerably important benefit of having a whole-house humidifier installed. Dry air makes you and your family less resistant to colds and other contagious illnesses. Whole-home humidifiers help keep families healthy and happy.
• Healthier Skin: With the installation of a whole-home humidifier, your skin won’t feel as dry and chapped as it otherwise would. Humidifiers help cut down on irritating skin conditions like eczema, and can help keep your skin feeling healthy overall.

Call the friendly staff at Boehmer Heating & Cooling for exceptional customer service!