Do You Really Need a Whole-House Humidifier?

September 20, 2022
Humidifier in Kansas City, Missouri

Did you know that the warmer your indoor air, the drier it can become? During the winter months especially, indoor air quality can suffer. We close our windows to keep the heat in, and understandably so. However, constant use of your heating system will remove much-needed moisture from the air and can cause a host of health problems including dry eyes, sore throats, and the worsening of some respiratory conditions. Not only that, air that is too dry can wreak havoc on wooden furniture and upholstery, along with making the air feel brittle and colder than normal.

The best way to control your indoor humidity and ensure everybody is comfortable is with a whole-house humidifier. These systems help to balance air quality by adding moisture to your indoor air throughout the year. They’re efficient, affordable, and can make a significant difference to your family’s health! Here, we’ll take a look at the many benefits of whole-house humidifiers and ask the question, do you need one?

What Causes Dry Air?

As the temperature starts to drop outside, humidity levels can drop inside. This is because cold air isn’t able to hold as much moisture as warm air. The ideal indoor humidity level is around 45 percent. However, during the winter when the heating is cranked up and humidity levels are naturally low, humidity levels can drop to 15 percent or less. This humidity imbalance brings a host of problems that can affect the condition of your home and your health.

Why is Dry Air Bad For Your Home?

Dry air will try to absorb moisture wherever it can be found. During the colder months, dry air could even start to pull moisture from the wood that forms the structure of your home. From hardwood floors to the wood that makes up the frame of your property, no wood is resistant to the absorption powers of dry air. You may notice this phenomenon around your home. Hardwood floors may start to creak more as they dry out. Gaps can also form between ceilings and walls as your wooden frames shift due to losing moisture content. This allows cold air to get in, and your heating bills to increase as a result.

Your furnishings may also be susceptible to dry air. Wood furniture could start to crack and bend as it becomes drier. You might also notice items like artwork and books become warped, wrinkled, and brittle as they dry out. Even musical instruments can be affected. So, if that saxophone is sounding a little off-key, it could be your air that’s to blame!

Lastly, dry air will naturally feel colder. Adding a whole-home humidifier will introduce moisture back into the air. In many cases, that means being comfortable even with the thermostat being set a few degrees lower than normal! Not only do these incredible products help with your comfort, they can even help you save money.

How Can Dry Air Affect Your Health?

Dry air can cause all manner of health problems, the majority affecting the upper respiratory system. The upper part of your respiratory system, including the nose and throat, has a lining of moist membranes. These membranes act as a filter, trapping dust, dirt, bacteria, and viruses before they can make their way to your lungs. When the air is dry, these membranes can lose this essential moisture which can compromise their ability to capture these particles.

If you’ve noticed your eyes are dry, you have frequent sore throats, or your family is always suffering from colds, it could be the air in your home that is at least partially to blame. Taking steps to balance the amount of moisture in the air could help you to reduce these conditions and ensure that everybody breathes a little better.

Viruses also find it harder to thrive in moist conditions. Overly dry air can also result in cracked lips and dry skin. If you find you’re applying more lip salve or moisturizer during the winter months, it could be down to the air quality in your home. Dry air can also cause flare-ups of skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Address the Balance With a Whole-House Humidifier

Humidity levels affect the entire home, and this is where a whole-house humidifier can make so much sense. These devices retrofit your home’s HVAC system, delivering a steady stream of moisture into every room and regulating humidity levels during the colder months and beyond. So, wherever you have air ducts, you’re going to have healthier, moist air delivered whenever your humidifier is running.

Whole-house humidifiers work by bringing water vapor into your home through your ducts. Installing one in your home can provide you with many benefits. With more moisture in the air, family members will be less susceptible to infections like colds, the flu, and other respiratory conditions. Those who snore or who have trouble sleeping may find they have a more restful night. And when it comes to your home, hardwood floors, door frames, window frames, and other wood structures will not be affected by the damage that dry air can cause. A whole-house humidifier can also keep your HVAC system running more efficiently overall.

Healthy Air, Healthy Family

When your air is healthy, and when your home is healthy your family will notice the benefits. Air quality problems may not be obvious because you’ve lived with them for years. It’s only when you have a whole-house humidifier installed that you’ll wonder how you went for so long without one.

If you’re currently using portable humidifiers, they could be costing you more than you think. These systems draw a lot of power, especially if they are used throughout the day. A whole-house humidifier will run efficiently and use your air ducts to distribute moisture in the air throughout your home. From bedrooms to the living room, the kitchen, and the den, your home will have full humidity control wherever you have vents.

Arrange Installation Today and Breathe Easier

If dry eyes are getting you down or an upper respiratory condition is flaring up, it could be time to turn your attention to a whole-house humidifier. Here at Summit Heating and Cooling, we specialize in humidifier installation and have been stabilizing humidity levels throughout the area for years. We provide humidifiers for our Missouri and Kansas residents that are built to last. These humidifiers offer the latest technology and features. Let us recommend the perfect system to suit your needs! Our NATE-certified technicians will then arrange installation with the least amount of disruption and maximum respect for your home.

If you’re looking for the top, reach for the summit! Our team of professional and courteous technicians will ensure you get top-notch service you can trust and a whole-house humidifier that makes life in the home so much better.

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