Many homeowners are well aware of the negative effects of high humidity levels – whether it’s dehydration, discomfort or fatigue. But did you know low humidity levels can also cause issues that can be just as severe?
While a dehumidifier is used to lower humidity levels during the summer, a whole house humidifier increases humidity levels in the winter when the indoor air is too dry to reach a balanced range. In our most recent blog, the indoor air quality specialists at Schebler Heating and Air discuss what a whole house humidifier is and how it works.
How Does a Whole House Humidifier Work?
Most homeowners are familiar with portable humidifiers. They are typically placed in bedrooms or common areas and add moisture to only the room or area they service. Whole house humidifiers, meanwhile, also add moisture to the home – but as their name suggests – they provide coverage to the entire home, eliminating the need to buy multiple portable humidifiers.
Whole house humidifiers are attached directly to your home’s HVAC system. When the humidifier is turned on, it adds moisture to the warm air that is then pushed by a fan into the ductwork, which carries the humidified air through the vents and into all of your home’s living areas.
Generally speaking, indoor humidity levels should be between 30 to 50 percent. In the wintertime, you may want to set the humidistat a little lower. For example, when the temperature outdoors is 20 degrees, consider a humidistat setting of 35 percent. When the outdoor temperature is around 30 degrees, a humidistat setting of about 40 percent is usually ideal.
Signs You Need a Whole House Humidifier in Your Home
So how do you know whether you or your family can benefit from the installation of a whole house humidifier? Some of the signs to look for include:
Health Issues
Low indoor relative humidity levels can cause a number of health issues, including dry skin, cracked and chapped lips and congestion. If you’re frequently experiencing nosebleeds or scratchy eyes, nose or throat, it could be a result of dried-out mucus membranes due to low humidity.
Damage to Floors and Furniture
Low humidity levels can also damage your home’s furniture and wood floors. A lack of moisture can cause the wood on floors, furniture and cabinets to crack, and even paint to peel. If you notice that your wood floors are starting to creak, you could benefit from the installation of a whole home humidifier.
You Struggle to Sleep
A lack of moisture in the air can dry out your soft palate, which can lead to snoring or make it worse. The introduction of a whole house humidifier can properly moisten the nasal passages, soft palate and throat to promote overall comfort and lead to a better night’s sleep.
Your Energy Bills Are High
A lack of moisture makes your home feel colder in the winter, which can cause you to raise the thermostat even higher. When more moisture is introduced to your home, you can turn the thermostat down a degree or two and save on your monthly energy bills.
Contact Schebler for Installation of a Whole House Humidifier
To combat the effects of dry air in your home, consider having a whole house humidifier installed in your home. For more information about whole house humidifiers or to schedule an appointment, contact Schebler today.