Winter weather can mean dryer air in your home, which can cause respiratory problems and allergy issues. Low humidity can also make your home feel colder, which may have you reaching for the thermostat to turn it up. Rather than spend even more on your energy bills, learn about the benefits of a whole-home humidifier.
You may be familiar with room humidifiers, which are portable units that increase the humidity of a single area. Whole-home humidifiers do the same thing, fundamentally, but they are capable of raising the humidity of your entire home. These devices are permanent, and are installed with your heating and air conditioning systems.
Convenience
After a whole-home humidifier has been installed on your home’s forced air furnace system, you can set it and forget it. You can choose the humidity level you prefer and they humidifier will use a hygrometer to measure the humidity level and make adjustments. As your furnace warms the device, it humidifies the air, which is then distributed throughout your home. Many people are comfortable at a humidity level between 35% and 55%.
Because a whole-home humidifier is self-regulating, you don’t have to worry about the humidity climbing too high. Portable humidifier units often do not regulate themselves and will not shut off when the humidity is high enough. Excess humidity can encourage the growth of mold and mildew.
Your Family’s Health
Dry air can exacerbate allergies, sinus issues, and respiratory problems. It can also encourage nose bleeds and encourage the spread of viruses. A whole-home humidifier combats these issues, and can help reduce snoring, dry skin, chapped lips, and dry throat.
Comfortable Temperatures
Dry air can feel colder than air with the appropriate humidity level. Adding a whole-home humidifier to your home’s furnace means that the heated air is humidified and feels warmer. This can save you on energy bills, since you won’t need to turn up the heat to stay warm. The investment of a humidifier can easily be paid off with the energy savings it can provide.
Operating Costs
Unlike room humidifiers, which work off of expensive distilled water, whole-home humidifiers work with your home’s tap water. Once the humidifier is connected to your home’s plumbing, it can cost only pennies to run.
If your home has been feeling chilly, even with the thermostat turned up, call Blazer Heating, Air, and Plumbing. Our Richmond heating professionals can help you diagnose issues with your home’s heating system, install a whole-home humidifier, and perform routine maintenance to keep your heating system in top shape.
Schedule a service today! Contact our offices by calling (804) 277-2458.