Benefits of a Whole-House Humidifier

“Dry air can cause respiratory problems and increased allergy symptoms for many people, especially in the winter. Dry air in your home can draw moisture out of porous materials like wood, including furniture, woodwork, wood floors, pianos and other musical instruments. It makes the air temperature feel cooler than humidified air, so you set your thermostat higher to reach the same comfort level. Two main types of humidifiers are available. Room units are small and portable, while whole-house humidifiers are permanently installed with your central heating and cooling system” states Live Strong.

Balanced humidity levels can make your home environment heathier and more comfortable year-round. You can save energy, too.

Lennox explains “with central heating, people are confined indoors with unnaturally dry air for many months each year. Humidifiers help to keep comfortable levels of moisture in the air, which is essential for your respiratory health. Whole-house humidifiers work like old-fashioned room humidifiers. They put moisture into the air, making harsh, dry air easier to breathe”.

Consistent Humidity Level
A whole-house unit monitors the humidity level, adding moisture only when it is needed and limiting the level of humidity to the setting you select. Many room units do not have regulators to stop the humidification process when the proper humidity level has been reached. High humidity can increase mold, mildew and dust mites.

Improved Air
A major difference is that they improve the air in every room of your home—no more carrying a humidifier from room to room in the winter.

An electronic air purifier, on the other hand, is the perfect way to get rid of excessive dust in your home.

Improved Health
The air you breathe will be healthier due to the steady humidity level maintained by a whole-house humidifier no matter which room you are in.

Dry air can make sinus problems worse and cause nose bleeds. It can also encourage the spread of some viruses that cause respiratory illness. Humidified air can help reduce snoring for some people, and it reduces chapped lips, dry throat and dry skin.

Some other health benefits are:

• Your body won’t dry out. The biggest problem with a home that has low humidity levels is that the air is extremely dry.
• Cold, flu and allergy symptoms will be less severe.
• You’ll be less likely to catch illnesses.
• You’ll sleep better.
• Skin conditions will improve.

Comfort
Humid air feels warmer than dry air at the same temperature. If you add a whole-house humidifier to your furnace, the humidified, heated air allows you to keep your thermostat set several degrees lower while you enjoy the same comfort level throughout your home. A lowered thermostat helps you save money on your heating bill. Say goodbye to those surprising shocks you can get from static electricity by controlling your humidity.

Operating Cost
A whole-house humidifier is plumbed into your household water system, so you never need to purchase special water like room humidifiers which need expensive distilled water to operate at maximum efficiency. The whole-house humidifier only adds a few cents per month to your water bill.

Installed
“A whole house humidifier installs directly into your cooling and heating system. It introduces humidity in the form of water vapor at the source—your ductwork. The level of humidity is then monitored and controlled by your thermostat, just like the temperature is, and an even level of moisture can be released into your house all year long. Putting a whole house humidifier into your home can reward you in many ways”, explains Bob Villa.

Easy Maintenance
Water tanks and other parts of ROOM humidifiers must be cleaned often to prevent mold and bacteria buildup. Compared to a whole-house humidifier which will only need cleaning once or twice a year to remove white dust mineral deposits left by the evaporated water. Usually no other maintenance is necessary.

Optimal Range
The optimal range for humidity levels in your home are between 30% to 60%.

Contact Us
Contact the pros at TRUST Heating & Air to discuss savings tips and free estimates.