Does your home need a humidifier?
Quebecers know the challenges of winter all too well. The snow, the glacial cold and the long dark days can leave people wanting to burrow into their dens and hibernate until spring. But spending too much time indoors with the heat on full blast can negatively affect our health and comfort. The culprit: dry air.
Dry indoor air can trigger many unpleasant symptoms such as dry skin and even nose bleeds. Fortunately, this problem has a simple solution: a humidifier. Read on to learn more about what a humidifier can do for you and whether you might need one for your home.
Signs that the air in your home is too dry
A few unmistakable signs mean that the air in your home is too dry and that you should think about getting a humidifier. Here are the most common signs that your home’s humidity levels are too low:
Static electricity
Static electricity increases significantly when humidity is too low. Static electricity can cause a potentially harmful build up of electricity, as much as several hundred volts (enough to damage your electronics).
Dry skin and respiratory problems
Low moisture levels irritate the mucous membranes. Dry air can increase our susceptibility to airborne viruses and irritants. It can make our eyes red and itchy. Low humidity can make our skin dry and irritated and can even lead to more serious skin conditions.
Allergies
Dry air allows allergens in your home to circulate freely, which can worsen allergy symptoms and cause more sneezing, coughing, and sleep problems.
Indoor materials
Low humidity can damage materials inside your home. It can cause wallpaper to peel, and wood floors to warp. Dry air can even cause some kinds of furniture to dry out and deteriorate faster than expected.
What type of humidifier is right for you?
The many humidifier options available include portable hot or cold vaporizers, a heat pump system, or a wall-mounted heat pump.
Heat pumps have a lot to offer, and their filtration system helps purify the air. When used for home heating purposes, they usually leave indoor air much less dry than an electric baseboard-only heating system would.
However, portable humidifiers are an excellent alternative if heat pump installation is not an option. Each option has advantages and disadvantages. Gather your facts before deciding what kind of humidifier is best for you.
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See also:
Solutions for moisture in the basement