Improve Home Comfort This Winter with a Whole-House Humidifier
If you think your skin is drier than usual or that you’re experiencing more static shock during the winter, it’s not your imagination. Cold air holds less moisture, so relative humidity drops during the winter.
One effective way to combat this is to install a whole-house humidifier. You can learn more about the benefits of this upgrade and a few other ways to stay comfortable as the temperature drops outside.
Benefits of a Whole-House Humidifier
Increasing humidity makes you more comfortable in several ways. First, it helps keep your skin and nasal passages moist. This prevents itchy skin and bloody noses, which are common during the winter.
The ideal humidity level also slows the spread of viruses and bacteria. Since these microorganisms thrive best in environments with either very high or very low humidity, controlled moisture around 30 to 50 percent is the best range to ensure a short virus or bacteria lifespan. As a result, you won’t get sick as often, and you’ll recover from illnesses you do catch must faster.
In addition, moist air combats hazardous static electricity. At the very least, you’ll get a painful surprise shock when reaching for a door handle. At the worst, you could fry sensitive electronics with up to 20,000 volts of electricity when you touch the power button. Either way, less static electricity is good news for everyone and everything in your home.
Higher humidity is also a good way to feel more comfortable at a lower temperature. Since less moisture evaporates from your skin when air is saturated with water, you’ll retain a more comfortable temperature. This allows you to turn the thermostat down a degree or two for energy savings without decreasing comfort.
Other Ways to Improve Home Comfort This Winter
In addition to running a whole-house humidifier, try these tips:
- Seal windows and doors with weatherstripping and caulk.
- Dress for the weather.
- Use heating alternatives, such as space heaters and fireplaces, to heat a portion of your home.
- Let the sun shine in for free heat.
To learn more about whole-house humidifiers, contact NisAir Air Conditioning and Heating. We’ve been serving Martin County since 1973.