Do I Need a Whole House Humidifier?
In a state with winters as dry as those in Colorado, you may be asking yourself, “Do I need a whole house humidifier? Most residents of Pueblo and the Pikes Peak region resign themselves to dry skin, scratchy throats and purchasing endless amounts of chapstick to combat the impact. Cold air is dry air. It does not hold nearly as much moisture as it does in spring or summer. That’s why you’ll see a foot of snow on your lawn but still find yourself applying lotion five times a day.
A whole-home humidifier is a popular solution for combatting the arid winter climate that can make Southern Colorado living a bit unpleasant. It adds moisture to the air throughout the house, improving indoor air quality and creating a more pleasant home.
What is a Whole-Home Humidifier? How Do Whole House Humidifiers Work?
A whole-home humidifier is a large humidifier that attaches to your existing HVAC system. It works by distributing much-need water vapor into the home using your heating ducts and cold air return. Water is provided by connecting the humidifier to your home’s cold water supply. A humidistat measures the humidity level in the home in the same way your home’s thermostat measures the temperature, triggering the humidifier to adjust output.
What are the benefits of a whole-home humidifier?
The benefits of an HVAC humidifier range from convenience and comfort to practicality and protection. After all, that same dry air that makes your lips crack and your hair fill with static electricity is also impacting your home. A new whole house humidifier provides the following benefits:
Make your home more comfortable
Homeowners typically purchase a whole house humidifier for comfort, touting the other benefits as a bonus. You cannot control the arid climate outside, but you can make your little piece of the world just a bit more comfortable. In fact, you can make it a lot more comfortable. A properly balanced home will help bring moisture back to your hair, lips, skin, mouth and throat. The days of static shocking your spouse just passing through the living room will be over. People with longer hair will especially appreciate not having their hair fly and tangle at all hours of the day and everyone will enjoy a better night’s sleep.
Maintain warmth
Humid air feels warmer to humans because of the way our bodies work to cool. When we are too hot, we perspire, releasing moisture that is then cooled by the air as it evaporates. When the air is humid, the moisture in and on your body does not evaporate nearly as easily. That’s why you may feel so much hotter in a humid southern summer and cooler at the same temperature in a dry climate. In your home, which is climate controlled to be warmer, the addition of humidity (30%-50%) keeps your body from losing moisture and cooling off involuntarily. It’s worth noting that humidity is also nice for your pets, who also suffer from staticky fur and dry, cracked paws and noses when the air is too dry.
Protect your home from damage
There are other surfaces besides skin that desperately need more moisture in our dry Colorado climate, like wood floors, wood cabinets and wood furniture. We also cannot forget trim, doors, accents and even the internal infrastructure of your home. Even stained, sealed surfaces dry out over time, leading to cracking, splitting, splintering and peeling. Your bathroom and kitchen cabinetry may hold out longer due to the moisture introduced into the area during use, but bedroom furniture and hardwood floors won’t be nearly as lucky. Maintaining a steady humidity also helps with the shrinkage and expansion that is common in the transition from winter to summer and back again.
Reduce the spread of sickness in the household and help sick family members feel more comfortable
Humidity helps with illnesses like cold and flu, too. A humidifier supports your body by keeping your nasal passages, nose and throat moist and comfortable while sick. It also supports the natural processes our bodies use to combat illness, like the mucus in your nose that traps viruses. Some reports have even noted that it is harder for airborne viruses to move in humid air. A recent Consumer Reports article noted that a humidity level of 40%-60% may be useful in weighing down water droplets that contain airborne viruses, making it harder for them to spread.
How Much Does a Whole-Home Humidifier Cost to Operate?
There are several factors that go into whole-house humidifier costs. In fact, those factors can even help you make a selection. Most systems do operate with energy efficiency in mind. In fact, some humidifiers can even create a balance between the cost to operate them and the savings gained from reduced heating expenses. That doesn’t even consider long-term savings like the increased longevity of furniture and floors or the reduction in lost time due to illness.
Talk with your HVAC professional about the best whole home humidifier for your needs. Your technician can explain which type of humidifier – fan-powered, bypass or steam – will work with your existing heating and cooling system. From there, you can look over efficiency ratings to determine your annual costs based on your predicted use.
Want More Information About Whole Home Humidifier Installation?
Flow Right Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric has the HVAC expertise homeowners value when it comes to upgrading your home’s heating and cooling system. Our team of vetted HVAC professionals can assess your heating system and recommend the best whole house humidifier for your home. We provide expert installation, guaranteed work and superior customer service. Give us a call to learn more!