The Importance of Humidifiers in the Winter

This winter looks to be one of the coldest on record in Bronx, NY, which means that residents will be running their heaters more than ever to maintain a cozy home. Temperature control is very important for every household, but it is not the only factor that prudent residents should consider. Dry air can create as many problems as low temperatures do, and cold weather always results in low humidity levels. The solution may be a whole-house humidifier installed by professionals.

Problems with Low Humidity

When the temperature drops, the ambient moisture in the air coalesces into liquid form. In the spring and the summer, it causes dew to form on the ground in the cool hours of the morning. It also leaves the air much drier than it used to be, which is why the winter is particularly bad when it comes to low humidity levels. When the relative humidity level drops below 30%, the air is dry enough to start leeching moisture from the surroundings, including human skin. This can result in static electricity, chapped lips, dry itchy skin, and an increased vulnerability to colds as sinuses dry out.

Whole-House Humidifiers Are a Solution

A whole-house humidifier can restore moisture to the air with a very simple system. It blows a fan across a wick or a pad, which is fed by a reservoir. This creates moisture which can then circulate through the home, elevating the moisture levels and reducing or eliminating the negative effects of dry air. Even more importantly, it can lower the strain on the heater, since dry air feels colder than moist air. That can translate to lower heating bills each month, as well as reduced strain on the system as a whole.

Contact Yost and Campbell Heating, Cooling and Generators to install a whole-house humidifier.