If you live in New England, there’s a good chance you could benefit from a whole-house humidifier. Why? Because our winters are exceptionally cold and dry, causing a host of problems. In this article, we’ll discuss the issues caused by low humidity and how a whole-house humidifier can protect your home and family.
Before we start, let’s compare whole-house humidifiers to portable humidifiers. Most of us are familiar with portable humidifiers, small plug-in units that add moisture to the air. You may have one running in your bedroom right now. These need to be filled frequently and regularly cleaned to prevent mold build-up.
Unlike portable humidifiers, which work in one room, a whole-house humidifier connects directly to your HVAC system to provide consistent humidity throughout your home. It is controlled by a humidistat, which signals the system to turn on when the relative humidity in your home drops below a pre-set level—typically around 30%. The only care it needs is an annual check-up, part of your routine HVAC maintenance.
Types of Whole House Humidifiers
Whole-house humidifiers come in various types, including fan-powered, bypass, and steam models. Both fan-powered and bypass systems are called evaporative humidifiers. The former uses a fan to blow air through a damp wick or filter, while the latter uses a bypass system to direct air across a water panel. In contrast, a steam humidifier boils water to add moisture to the air.
Problems Caused by Low-humidity
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “It’s not the heat; it’s the humidity.” While high
humidity (above 50%) can feel oppressive during the summer months, low humidity (below 30%) in winter can cause several problems:
1. Sinus Issues
If your home’s humidity level is too low, it can make you and your family feel miserable, causing runny noses, sinus congestion, irritated nasal passages, and nosebleeds.
2. Coughing and Dry Throat
Are you up in the middle of the night, coughing and suffering from a dry throat? Dry air may be irritating your throat and respiratory passages.
3. Skin Problems
Low humidity can also wreak havoc on your skin, causing dryness, flakiness, and irritation. Prolonged exposure to dry air can also worsen chronic conditions like dermatitis and eczema.
4. Damage to Wood Furniture and Floors
Low humidity can draw the moisture out of your wood furniture, cabinets, and flooring, causing them to crack and warp. If your floors squeak when you walk on them, or your wood doors fail to shut properly, your home will benefit from a whole-house humidifier.
5. Static Electricity
While “zapping” your siblings may have been fun when you were a kid, static electricity can be painful and annoying. Low humidity creates dry air, which makes it easier for static electricity to build up, leading to irritating shocks.
Benefits of Installing a Whole-house Humidifier
Installing a whole-house humidifier will help reduce the problems noted above, providing several benefits:
1. Energy Savings
When your home has a balanced humidity level, you will feel warmer and more comfortable at a lower temperature, decreasing the need to crank up your thermostat and reducing your monthly heating costs.
2. Improved Air Quality and Overall Health
Increasing the moisture level in your home during the winter months will reduce the dry air that irritates your respiratory system and makes you more susceptible to getting sick. Balanced humidity levels also help lessen allergy symptoms and breathing issues and keep your hair and skin hydrated.
3. Protection for Wooden Furniture, Cabinets, and Flooring
A whole-house humidifier helps preserve the beauty and value of your wood flooring, cabinets, and furniture by ensuring an adequate moisture level throughout your home.
Whole-house Humidifiers in Amesbury, MA
If low humidity levels are causing problems for your home or family, our HVAC experts are here to help you select the best whole-house humidifier for your needs and budget. We proudly serve homeowners in Amesbury, Massachusetts, and neighboring towns. Contact us today to discuss your options.
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