When your furnace kicks on and the blower moves the air through the vents, what emerges into your rooms is air that’s really hot – between 140 and 170˚ F. That’s hotter than the highest record-setting temperatures in Arizona. That means, all winter long, your family is actually living in an extreme desert-like environment. And deserts aren’t just hot – they’re also horribly dry.
While cactus and rattlesnakes can thrive in the desert, people just aren’t built for this kind of environment. Dry air can be a problem for your skin all day long, but at night, when your family goes 6-8 hours without drinking water, dry air can cause sore throats, bloody noses, irritated sinuses, and dry coughs.
Add moisture to this desert air problem with a humidifier. A humidifier, quite simply, adds water to the air. There are several different types of humidifiers, and we here at Maertin Heating and Cooling are happy to help you select the correct device for your home.
Central humidifiers will add moisture to the air in your entire home and are by far the most convenient. They are built right into your home’s heating unit and can be installed into an existing unit. They don’t require refilling or daily cleaning, and will automatically and correctly humidify your home. Selecting a central humidifier will depend upon your home’s size and your existing system. Depending upon the model, it may be attached directly to your furnace or into ductwork.
Drum-style units are most cost effective, but require more maintenance than flow-through models, which are better at reducing mold growth. If you have a gas or oil furnace, you can also consider a spray mist humidifier. Any central humidifier will require occasional changing of filters, pads or screens. Choose a device with a humidistat, which measures moisture levels in your home. Just like your thermostat sends a signal to your furnace when it gets too cold, a humidistat can signal your humidifier to add moisture to maintain your desired humidity level. Health professionals recommend a humidity level between 30 and 50%.
Impeller, steam, console and evaporator humidifiers will only add moisture to one room at a time. Choose a cool mist humidifier to avoid burns, especially when you have young children or an elderly family member. Position these portable humidifiers to blow into the middle of the room, not at a bed or chair. Keep the humidifier away from walls, where condensation can form to encourage mold. Clean these humidifiers daily to eliminate bacteria and residue.
Remember that too much of a good thing can quickly turn into a bad thing. Too much humidity, in one room or your whole home, may cause asthmas symptoms to flare, can irritate allergies and can encourage the growth of mold, mildew and other harmful bacteria.
As much as we would all enjoy some desert heat at this time of year, desert dryness is absolutely no fun. Properly humidifying your home will keep your family comfortable and healthy.
If you have a high efficiency furnace which brings in outside, moist air, you won’t need a humidifier. Questions about humidifiers? Interested in a central humidifier unit? Just call Maertin Heating and Cooling at 708-479-9350 and we’ll be happy to help!
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