Many folks believe that humidifiers are only useful when turning on the heat or air conditioning. But did you know those whole-house humidifiers can bring benefits, no matter the climate, all year long?
The University of Central Florida recommends an ideal indoor humidity level of 45-55%. Too much moisture in your home can cause problems, from an insect invasion to a lingering mildew odor to even mold growth. If there’s not enough moisture in the air, you can face dry rot issues, damage your electronics, and notice unpleasant side health effects like itchy eyes or dry skin.
So, want to keep the humidity in your home in that ideal range? In this blog, we’ll go over the many benefits of installing a whole-house humidifier:
- Improve health conditions
- Maintain home’s structure
- Increase the home’s energy efficiency
- Prevent damage to possessions
- Boost skin and hair
Improve Health Conditions
Whole-home humidifiers can greatly improve health conditions for people in dry, arid climates. Overall, having the right humidity level in your home improves the overall comfort level. When the air inside a home is too dry, it can cause various health problems, such as dry skin, nosebleeds, respiratory issues, and even an increased risk of infections. Dry air can also aggravate existing health conditions such as asthma and allergies.
A whole-home humidifier adds moisture back into the air, which can help alleviate dry skin, nosebleeds, and respiratory issues. It can also help reduce the spread of germs and viruses since dry air can make it easier for them to circulate. Humidifiers can also help reduce snoring by keeping nasal passages moisturized.
Maintain Your Home’s Structure
A whole-home humidifier can help maintain the structure of your home by preventing damage caused by dry air. When the air inside a home is too dry, it can cause wood to shrink and crack, damaging floors, moldings, and furniture. Dry air can also cause paint and wallpaper to peel and make it easier for dust and allergens to circulate.
How does a whole-home humidifier work? It adds moisture back into the air, which can help prevent the shrinkage and cracking of wood. It can also help prevent paint and wallpaper from peeling and make it harder for dust and allergens to circulate. This can help maintain the structural integrity of your home and can also help prolong the life of your furniture and decor.
Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
Whole-home humidifiers can improve your home’s energy efficiency by maintaining the right humidity levels. Dry air can make it feel colder, even at higher temperatures, increasing energy bills. When the air is too dry, people tend to raise the thermostat temperature to feel more comfortable, which can consume more energy. Energy Saver estimates that you can save as much as 10% on your heating costs annually by adjusting your thermostat down 10 degrees for eight hours a day. You can permanently adjust with a whole-home humidifier, maximizing those potential savings.
Another benefit of whole-home humidifiers is that they help reduce the number of drafts and air leaks that can reduce your energy efficiency. The wood shrinkage from dry air doesn’t happen when you keep your home at an ideal humidity level.
Prevent Damage to Possessions
The same dry air that can cause peeling paint and warped wood can also damage the contents of your home, particularly your electronics. Dry air can cause electronic components to malfunction and make it easier for static electricity to build up, which can cause damage to electronic devices. A whole-home humidifier can help keep the air at a comfortable humidity level, which can help protect your electronics and prolong their life.
Your furniture and decor are also at risk when the air is too dry since wood is vulnerable to shrinkage. Cabinets, kitchen tables, chairs, sofas, and other soft furnishings can all dry rot, making your furniture a nice-looking pile of accidents waiting to happen.
Humidity levels that are too low or high also put your clothing at risk. High humidity means your clothes might start to smell mildew, while low humidity can weaken the fibers that make up your clothes, causing them to deteriorate faster in the wash.
Improve Skin and Hair Health
Did you know that humidity levels significantly impact your day-to-day appearance? Dry air can cause various problems, such as dry skin, itching, and even dandruff. When the air inside your home is too dry, it can cause your skin to become dry and itchy and can also cause your hair to become dry, brittle, and more prone to breakage. Plus, dry air and static lead to lots of frizz.
A whole-home humidifier adds moisture back into the air, which can help keep your skin and hair hydrated. Moisturizing the air can help reduce dry skin, itching, and even eczema. It can also help reduce dandruff, making your hair more manageable and less prone to breakage. If you want to maintain your glow and enjoy shiny, healthy-looking hair, it’s important to maintain ideal humidity levels when possible.
