Top 8 Benefits of a Whole-House Humidifier
Does your home feel as dry as the Sahara Desert? A whole-house humidifier can help by bringing in the moisture you need for a healthier indoor environment.
By Tom Moor
Winter can be tough on households, with the cold, snow, and harsh elements making it difficult to stay comfortable indoors. But there’s another winter issue – low humidity – that can create problems indoors too. When humidity levels drop below 30%, it can lead to a range of issues, from health problems like nosebleeds and dehydration to damage to your home’s wood furniture and floors.
If you’re asking, “What are the benefits of a whole-house humidifier?” you’re in the right place. We’ll discuss what you need to know about how whole-home humidifiers work and how they can enhance your home’s comfort and your overall well-being.
How do humidifiers work?
Unlike a portable humidifier that adds moisture to just one room, a whole-home humidifier works with your HVAC system to regulate humidity levels throughout your entire home. It is controlled by a humidistat, which activates the humidifier when the humidity level drops below a pre-set threshold.
Whole-house humidifiers come in various types, including fan powered, steam, and bypass models. While each type adds moisture to the air, evaporative models use a fan to blow air through a damp wick or filter to evaporate water, steam humidifiers boil water to produce steam, and bypass systems direct air across a water panel.
Whole-house humidifiers are typically add-ons that can be installed separately.
What’s the ideal humidity level in the winter?
Low humidity is most common in the colder months, especially during winter when the air outside is naturally dry, but it can also be a problem in arid climates. As temperatures drop, the air can’t hold as much moisture, and indoor humidity levels often fall below the ideal range.
The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity between 30-50%, but in winter, it’s easy for humidity to drop well below 30%, particularly if you live in a cold region and use your heating system regularly.
What are the benefits of installing a whole-house humidifier?
If you’re on the fence about whether a whole-house humidifier might be right for you, consider the following benefits of a humidifier:
1. Improved respiratory health
When humidity drops below 30%, it dries out the air, irritating your nasal passages, throat, and lungs. This can worsen respiratory conditions, according to the National Library of Medicine.
The dryness can also lead to frequent nosebleeds as the sensitive nasal passages become too dry and cracked. A whole-house humidifier helps keep the air at a comfortable moisture level, reducing dryness in both the air and your respiratory system.
2. Reduced allergies
Do humidifiers help with allergies? They might. A balanced humidity level prevents the air from becoming overly dry, which can exacerbate allergy symptoms. By adding moisture, a whole-house humidifier also helps thin mucus, making it easier to clear allergens like dust and pollen from your body, ultimately reducing allergy symptoms.
3. Healthier Skin
Do you find yourself constantly applying moisturizer, but it still doesn’t seem to help? Dry air can do a number on your skin, leaving it dehydrated and feeling rough and irritated. Over time, it can worsen skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis, making your skin more prone to cracking and inflammation. A humidifier helps prevent this by maintaining enough moisture in the air to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
4. Increased energy savings
In the winter, dry air can make it feel colder than it actually is. A furnace humidifier helps retain heat by adding moisture to the air, allowing you to lower your thermostat a few notches without sacrificing comfort. This can lead to noticeable savings on your heating bills.
5. Better night’s sleep
Do you frequently wake up in the morning feeling groggy and grouchy due to a poor night’s sleep? Low humidity might be the culprit. Balanced humidity can help prevent dry air from irritating your throat and nasal passages while you sleep, causing fewer disruptions during the night and a more restful, deeper sleep that will have you feeling more refreshed in the morning.
6. Protection for your home’s floors and furniture
Low humidity doesn’t just affect your health – it can also damage your home’s expensive wood flooring and furniture as well. Dry air causes wood to shrink, crack, and warp, potentially causing significant damage. Some of the common signs that your home’s humidity is too low include squeaky floors and doors that won’t close properly. Over time, this can lead to costly repairs and decrease the lifespan of your furniture, floors, and musical instruments.
7. Less maintenance
Unlike portable models that require frequent emptying and cleaning, whole-house humidifiers are connected to your plumbing system and drain water directly out of your home through a pipe. This means less hassle for you, as you don’t have to worry about constantly refilling or maintaining a tank.
Plus, since it’s integrated with your HVAC system, it keeps your entire home at a comfortable humidity level without needing constant attention. They do need yearly maintenance though, which your HVAC technician can handle during a routine HVAC maintenance visit.
8. Improved indoor air quality
By maintaining balanced humidity levels, a whole-house humidifier prevents dry air from stirring up dust and allergens. With more moisture in the air, dust particles are less likely to float around, leading to cleaner, fresher air in your home.
Need help balancing your home’s humidity levels?
If you’re experiencing the negative effects of dry air, a whole-house humidifier could be the answer you’re looking for. An American Standard® dealer can assess your home’s humidity levels and recommend the perfect humidifier to suit your needs. Don’t let low humidity dry out your home and affect your health – install a whole-home humidifier this winter to improve your comfort and well-being.
Author: Tom Moor
Expert review by Kimberly Sexton, Senior Systems Engineer
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