Winter air is so, so dry, and a whole house humidifier is the best way to keep that dryness from ruining your winter cheer.
Even humidity levels throughout the home is more important than many homeowners know. It’s not just a comfort thing. It’s a quality of life thing. Don’t believe us? Read on. Here are 8 ways a humidifier makes winter life better the moment you turn it on.
It is recommended that in order to have a heatlhy home, we should target 40-60% relative humidity to combat the production of bacteria and viruses that lead to colds, flu, dry eyes or itchy cracked skin.
To get more specific, we recommend:
- In the summer when air is moist and humid, to target 45 – 55% relative humidity
- In the winter when air is dry, target 35 – 45% relative humidity
To achieve these levels, you’ll need to de-humidify in the summer and humidify in the winter.
By using a humidifier during the colder months, you can expect the following benefits.
More affordable heating bills.
Air with optimal humidity transports heat differently than too dry air or too moist air. Humid air feels warmer than dry air, even when the temperature is the exact same. You can set your furnace at a lower temperature when using a good humidifier from November to April, and save money all through the winter.
Your family stays healthier.
Humidifiers aren’t foolproof cold and flu defenders, but viruses and bacteria can we kept more at bay if your has the right relative humidity level. Studies show high humidity and high incidents of cold and flu don’t tend to mix. Proper humidity in your home might be the difference between the whole family feeling unwell, or being able to enjoy more family time.
You’ll be more rested.
Dry air turns moderate snorers into nightmarish snorers. Sinuses dry out, get plugged and makes normal breathing sound like dragon breathing.
If your partner is a snorer, you won’t have to dread the approaching 5 months any more than you dread a regular night.
Happy sinuses.
Similar to above, dry winter air leaves your sinuses raw and dried out. Even if you feel healthy as a reindeer, the cold air affects your breathing.
As your sinuses dry out, they also open up a path for bacteria and viruses to invade your body. Happy sinuses means you breathe easier and stay healthier through the winter.
Softer, less irritated skin.
Skin around your fingernails, on your elbows, your heels and around your nose is prone to cracking when dry. It hurts! Skin starts to flake off, to look dull, old and stressed out. Adding a little moisture to the air will help to combat dry skin, along with plenty of moisturizer!
Heal up faster.
Optimal humidity levels help your body recover from a cold or flu more quickly. It also helps reduce those horrible cold and flu symptoms, like dry coughs and runny noses, keeping you up all night.
Protect your antique furniture.
Bit by bit, your antique wood accents may be drying out. Winter accelerates the process and leads to cracks and greater susceptibility to other damage.
If you want to keep that antique desk for more than a couple years, humidify in the winter and de-humidify in the summer!
Plant give and take.
Plants help to clean the air inside your home. When the air dries out, your plants start to struggle to keep up their end of the living arrangement, and you start losing the air cleaning benefits.
Whether an old-school plug in dehumidifier, or a whole home type; we can help identify the right humidifier for your family. Get in touch with your local ClimateCare today to find out the perfect solution for your family.
