As the days are getting colder, the air is getting drier. Many Minnesotans are accustomed to replacing the moisture they are losing in their bodies and environment with a humidifier.
Many are familiar with the small, portable humidifiers that are set up in individual rooms. You fill a tank with water, turn it on, and the machine puts humidity into the air until you turn it off or until it runs out of water.
On the other hand, a whole house humidifier installs directly into your cooling and heating system. It introduces humidity in the form of water vapor at 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 6 month of MN winter.
Putting a whole house humidifier into your home can reward you in many ways:
Convenience
After your whole-house humidifier has been installed on your forced air furnace system, you can set the humidity level and forget about it. Whole-house humidifier operates with a hygrometer to measure the humidity level, and it automatically humidifies the air as your furnace warms it, distributing it to every room through your duct work.
Health & Comfort
The even humidity level maintained by a whole-house humidifier keeps the air you breathe healthier, no matter which room you are in. Dry air can exacerbate sinus problems and cause nose bleeds, sore throats, and cracked, itchy skin. Humidified air can help reduce snoring for some people, and it reduces chapped lips, dry throat and dry skin.
Many viruses thrive in low-humidity environments, which can increase your likelihood of catching the flu, colds, and other respiratory ailments.
Preservation
Dry air can damage many things in a home, including wood floors, plaster, paint, furniture, artwork, electronics and musical instruments. A whole house humidifier therefore protects your home and its contents from the adverse effects of dry air over the long term.
Energy Efficiency
Turning up the thermostat will raise the temperature in your home, but it won’t necessarily make you feel any warmer. Installing a whole house humidifier can help you feel warmer at lower temperatures. According the EPA, you can save up to 4% on your heating bill for every degree you lower your thermostat. And humidity control can help a home qualify for the National Association of Home Builders’ Green-Built Certification Program.
So, ou might still want to stock up on lotion for the winter – but you can keep it in your car instead of on your nightstand.
