Do I Need a Whole-House Humidifier?
Maybe, maybe not. Learn about whole-home humidifiers and why they may be a better humidity control solution than a portable unit.
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.” While high humidity can make summer feel downright oppressive, the opposite issue – low humidity – can be just as troublesome during the winter months.
When humidity levels drop below 30% in cold weather or arid climates, it can lead to issues like dry skin, irritated sinuses, static electricity, and even damage to your wood flooring and furniture. If you’re dealing with any of these pesky problems, it may be time to consider installing a whole-house humidifier, which can help create a healthier and more energy-efficient home.
In this article, we’ll cover the common signs that you may need a whole-house humidifier, the benefits it offers, and how it compares to portable models.
What is a whole-house humidifier?
Unlike a portable humidifier, which adds moisture to the air in a single room, a whole-house humidifier is connected directly to your HVAC system to provide humidity coverage for your entire home. Controlled by a humidistat, whole-home humidifiers turn on when the relative humidity in your home drops below a pre-set level, such as 30%. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that indoor relative humidity levels fall between 30% and 50%.
Whole-house humidifiers come in various types, including fan-powered, bypass, and steam models. While each type adds moisture to the air, the fan-powered unit uses a fan to blow air through a damp wick or filter to evaporate water, bypass systems direct air across a water panel. Both of those are evaporative humidifiers. By contrast, steam humidifiers boil water to produce steam.
HVAC systems typically do not come with a whole-house humidifier; it is usually an optional add-on that can be installed separately. American Standard® offers a full range of affordable and reliable whole-house humidifiers that can enhance your home’s comfort and help lower energy bills.
Signs you may need a whole-house humidifier
Sinus problems
Low humidity levels can make you feel downright miserable. Runny nose, sinus congestion, irritated nasal passages, and nosebleeds are common signs that you may benefit from a whole-home humidifier. Low humidity can irritate and dry out your sinuses, leading to sinus infections and frequent nosebleeds.
While a typical cold lasts about 7-10 days, sinus issues may linger if your home has consistently low humidity, which is common during the cold winter months or in arid temperatures such as desert climates.
Coughing and dry throat
Are you or your family members awake half the night coughing and suffering from a dry throat? Dry air can irritate your throat and respiratory passages, causing discomfort and poor sleep quality. A whole-house humidifier can add the needed moisture to the air to ease your cough and help you sleep better at night.
Skin issues
Low humidity can also wreak havoc on your skin, causing it to lose needed moisture more quickly which can lead to dryness, flakiness, and irritation. Prolonged exposure to dry air can also worsen conditions like eczema or dermatitis, making the skin more sensitive and prone to cracking.
Static electricity
Aside from the enjoyment you may have gotten from zapping your brothers or sisters when you were a kid, static electricity can be painful and annoying. Low humidity makes it easier for static electricity to build up because dry air prevents electrical charges from dissipating, leading to those irritating shocks.
Wood damage
Finally, low humidity can steal the moisture from your wood furniture, flooring, and cabinets, potentially causing them to crack and warp. Floors that squeak when you walk on them or doors that won’t close properly are other indications you may need a whole-house humidifier.
The benefits of installing a whole-home humidifier
If you’re suffering from any (or all!) of these signs of low humidity, you and your family may benefit from installing a whole-house humidifier. Some of the advantages include:
- Increased energy savings: Balanced humidity makes the air feel warmer and more comfortable, even at lower temperatures, allowing you to turn down the thermostat a few notches. This can lead to more energy-efficient heating during the colder months and a pleasant surprise when you view your next energy bill.
- Improved indoor air quality and health. Increasing moisture levels in your home during the winter can reduce dryness that irritates your respiratory system and makes you more susceptible to getting sick. Balanced humidity levels can help lessen allergy symptoms and breathing issues, creating a healthier environment. A whole-house humidifier can also keep your skin hydrated and your hair smoother, making it easier to maintain healthy, comfortable skin and hair year-round.
- Protection for wooden furniture and flooring: A whole-house humidifier helps keep moisture levels steady, improving the look of your home and helping your valuable wood pieces last longer so you can keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket.
Whole-house humidifier vs portable humidifiers
A smaller, portable humidifier might help if a single family member is experiencing allergy or health issues due to low humidity, as it can target specific rooms such as their bedroom. However, a whole-house humidifier provides consistent moisture throughout the entire home, ensuring complete coverage and more effective relief from dryness in every room.
While whole-house models are more expensive upfront, they require minimal maintenance after installation and offer added convenience since they don’t require refilling, cleaning, or repositioning. You should have your HVAC technician check it once a year during a regular HVAC maintenance visit.
In the long run, they offer greater comfort and a more consistent indoor environment without the hassle of managing several smaller units and cleaning them periodically to prevent mold.
American Standard® can help balance your home’s humidity levels
If you’re concerned about low humidity levels in your home or are unsure, contact an American Standard® HVAC technician. They can use a hygrometer to measure the relative humidity in the air.[GS2]
If humidity levels are below the ideal range, they may recommend having a whole-house humidifier installed. They can work with you to find the best whole-house humidifier for your family’s unique needs so you can breathe easier throughout the cold winter months.
Author: Tom Moor
Expert review by Sean Goddard, Product Manager, Coils & Indoor Air Quality
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