Unmanaged dry air can cause a range of issues to your health such as respiratory conditions, dry throat, and general discomfort. If you have any of these issues or have been instructed by your doctor to install a humidifier in your home, we’ll help you learn everything you need to know about humidifiers.
Everything You Need To Know About Humidifiers
Humidifiers are electrical devices that restore the moisture into your room or building by emitting volumes of water vapor into the atmosphere. They relieve signs of dry sinuses and other respiratory syndromes caused by dry air. A humidifier is especially effective when used in the winter months due to your home’s heating system offsetting the cool and moist air with warm and dry air.
What Causes Loss of Moisture in Your Home
It’s easy to lose in-home moisture. If not addressed soon, this can cause problems for your health and put a small dent in your wallet. Common causes of moisture loss include:
Dried Air Seals – When air seals are weathered out, outside air seeps in through these cracks. This lowers humidity levels and temperature.
Cold Weather – Naturally, cool temperatures freeze the moisture in the air. During winter, humidity levels drop below the threshold (30%).
Lack of Insulation – Houses without insulation are susceptible to moisture loss. Heat in the house escapes through gaps and walls while moisture in the air evaporates, dropping down the humidity levels in your home.
Effects of Low Humidity Levels
By installing a humidifier in your household, you mitigate the risk of symptoms associated with low humidity levels such as:
- Chapped lips
- Dry skin
- Dehydration
- Discomfort
- Dry nose
- Scratchy throats
- Breathing challenges
- Sinus inflammation
Do You Need a Humidifier?
Gauging the Humidity Level
Before purchasing a humidifier, you’ll first need to determine the humidity conditions in your room. A hygrometer helps measure these levels and sends feedback to the user. Essentially, when humidity levels fall below 30%, then you need to consider improving the air quality with a humidifier.
Not Enough Room for Ventilation
Houses or buildings without proper ventilation such as windows or air-conditioning units are susceptible to poor quality of air, posing a hazard to inhabitants dwelling within. Humidifiers expel dry air and refresh the quality of air significantly.
Seasons and Weather Condition
Cold seasons such as winter are more prone to drying indoor air than other seasons. More so, the risk of catching common colds and flu is quite high. A humidifier helps decongest blocked sinuses and promotes better air quality.
Types of Humidifiers
To ensure that you’re safeguarding the moisture levels in your house, selecting the right humidifier is crucial.
Fan Powered – These types of humidifiers include a powered fan that blows air over an internal water panel in the unit, which increases the amount of vapor expelled.
Bypass – It’s commonly used in living rooms and other household spaces. This humidifier draws in air from heat ducts within the house and channels it through a water panel. During this process, the air absorbs moisture from the water and is channeled out into your house.
Steam – Most used in treating colds, steam humidifiers blow out vapor (steam) by boiling water and expelling it out at high temperatures. A steam blower passes the steam around the house through the duct and restores moisture into the air.
Benefits of Indoor Humidifiers
Choosing to purchase a humidifier for your home comes with these benefits:
- Increased vitality
- Better breathing conditions
- Feeling of comfort
- Nourished skin
- Beats the need of an AC
- Fights symptoms of common colds and flu
- Prevents static electricity
- Mitigates damage to wood
- Invigorates household plants
Contact Hammock’s AC
When it comes down to everything you need to know about humidifiers, understanding their function and benefits can help guide your purchase. While they restore the humidity in the air, each type has its advantages. Our seasoned staff will help you find the best humidifier for your individual needs. To find out more about humidifiers in your home, contact us today by using the form below.
