Don’t be shocked this season!
…At least not in your home because of low humidity.
The cool, dry air is moving in and the moisture in the air is officially practically non-existent. While this means you aren’t feeling clammy, you are instead dealing with enough static electricity that you feel like you could power an electric car. The good news is, you aren’t stuck living in an overly dry home this winter because you can do something about it. Whole home humidifiers are an investment well worth the money since they have so many benefits.
Humidity or lack thereof can be problematic for both your health and your home. A lot of viruses thrive in low humidity areas, increasing your chances of getting sick with a cold or flu. If you suffer from a constant cough and/or sore throat in your home in colder months, you can blame the low humidity. You may experience upper respiratory issues that seem like cold symptoms but aren’t, giving you that sick feeling that you can’t shake. Allergy and asthma symptoms are also worsened by overly dry air.
You skin hates cold, dry weather just as much as your throat does. Those with eczema tend to see more flare ups and are generally miserable when winter strikes. Even if you don’t suffer from any sort of skin conditions, you probably still have to deal with itchy, dry skin when the air is dry. Chapped, cracked lips? Yup, that’s low humidity, too. So, instead of investing in a year’s supply of lotion and chap stick, you would probably be better off using a humidifier.
It’s not just people that are affected by low humidity. Your home can suffer just like you do. The walls of your home and hardwood floors can have the moisture sucked right out of them and, in return, crack. The same can happen with furniture, certain types of artwork and electronics. Paint can also chip right off of your walls because of dry air.
Did you know you can save money on your heating bills with a humidifier? It’s true! Moist air makes you feel more comfortable and allows you to lower your thermostat a couple of degrees. The more moisture in the air, the warmer it feels. Cool, huh?
So, as you can see, dry air isn’t a pleasant thing to deal with in your home. Thankfully, though, humidifiers can be installed as part of your heating and cooling system to disperse moisture throughout your home. Keeping your home at an appropriate moisture level will help your health and the health of your home. It’s recommended to keep your relative humidity in your home around 50%, but a little higher or lower won’t hurt, either, depending on your preferences. With a whole-home humidifier, you can set the moisture level your’re after and it’ll do the work for you.
We’d be happy to come out to your home to determine which type of humidifier would be the best fit for your home. We know the choices can be overwhelming which is why we’re here to help. Bel-O is based in Belleville, IL and services the surrounding areas in the Metro East. Give us a call at 618-BELOMAN for more information on humidifiers or any other home comfort needs.
