If you’ve ever spent a summer here in Minnesota, you’re all too familiar with the humidity. But once the temperature drops, the moisture in the air goes right along with it, leaving us with a frigid, dry environment and all of its side effects.
To counteract the effects of low humidity in the wintertime and beyond, many Minnesotans choose to invest in a whole-home humidifier. But what does a humidifier do? What are the benefits of a humidifier? And how can you make sure your humidifier is operating as efficiently and effectively as possible?
Here at Joel Smith Heating and Air Conditioning, we hear your questions, and we’ve got answers. Let’s dive in!
What Does a Humidifier Do?
In its most basic form, a humidifier releases water into the air to create moisture. Different types of humidifiers — including evaporative humidifiers, vaporizers, and ultrasonic humidifiers — release that water as a mist or steam using methods such as a fan or vibrations. Additionally, the temperature of the water can vary depending on whether you choose a cool mist humidifier or a warm mist humidifier.
Although each type comes with its own pros and cons, there are many universal benefits of adding a humidifier to your home.
5 Benefits of a Humidifier
1. Protects from Viral Infections
Ever wonder why sickness seems to run rampant during the colder months? Although low humidity itself doesn’t cause the common cold, flu, or other respiratory illnesses, it can make you more susceptible to them. This is one of the biggest benefits of a humidifier in winter especially!
2. Soothes Allergy and Asthma Symptoms
Dry air can cause irritation and inflammation in the respiratory system, triggering or worsening existing allergies or asthma symptoms. One of the benefits of a humidifier is that it can ease these symptoms, helping everyone breathe a little easier.
3. Reduces Symptoms Caused by Dry Air
Even without existing conditions, dry air can cause nose bleeds, dry skin, congestion, coughing, sore throat, and other uncomfortable symptoms. By adding moisture back into the air, a humidifier can help soothe these conditions or prevent them from developing in the first place.
4. Improves Sleep
Is it even possible to get a good night’s sleep with a stuffy nose? You’ve probably heard that there are many benefits of a humidifier while sleeping — that’s because moisture can help open up your airways, making it easier for you to breathe at night and less likely to snore. A win for you and for your family!
5. Prevents Furniture and Home Damage
A humidifier doesn’t just benefit the people in your home — it can also help protect the home itself! If you have wooden furniture, floors, trim, or molding, a humidifier can help prevent that wood from drying out, which could cause it to crack or split.
Tips to Get the Most from Your Humidifier
Have these humidifier benefits convinced you yet? As you select your new humidifier, consider these tips in order to get the maximum benefit from your new equipment:
- Choose the right humidifier: The size of your home can help determine which humidifier will work best for your situation. Plus, different kinds of humidifiers can vary in energy usage and noise levels, so your preferences will play a role, too.
- Maintain the right humidity: We recommend keeping your home’s humidity level between 30 – 45%.
- Keep your humidifier clean: None of these health benefits will matter if your humidifier is dispersing unclean water! Make sure to clean your equipment and replace the filters regularly.
- Use distilled or demineralized water: If you choose a free-standing humidifier instead of a whole-home unit, pay close attention to the kind of water you’re using. Distilled or demineralized water can help prevent mineral buildup and keep the air in your home as clean as possible.
- Consider a dehumidifier: In the same way dry air can cause issues in the winter, overly-humid air in the summertime can create the right conditions for mold and mildew to grow. Pairing your new humidifier with a dehumidifier for the warmer months can help you maintain balance all year long.
Trust the Professionals at Joel Smith HVAC
Choosing the right whole-home humidifier can be a stressful process, not to mention the installation and maintenance cycles. But here at Joel Smith Heating and Air Conditioning, we have more than 30 years of experience balancing the humidity in homes across the Twin Cities. We’ll help you select the best equipment for your needs and get you up and running in no time.
To get started with a whole-home humidifier and help your family breathe easier all winter long, get in touch with our team at 763‑792‑1066 or send us a message.