What’s the truth about using a humidifier in the winter?
Have you heard talk of using a humidifier in the winter? In our southern climate, it might seem counterintuitive to want to add more moisture to the air in your home, but there are some distinct benefits. Take a look at what a humidifier can do for you.
What Is a Humidifier?
Before we talk about the benefits of a humidifier, let’s take a look at what one is and how it functions. A humidifier increases the level of moisture in the air in your home, whether with a stand-alone unit or a whole-home system. Both systems use water and air to emit water vapor and raise the relative humidity.
What Are the Benefits of a Humidifier?
Even in our mild climate, the air gets drier in the winter. This is particularly the case in our homes, where we often use a heating system to warm it up on the cooler winter days. A heating system will make the air even drier.
Some of the benefits of increasing the relative humidity in our homes are:
- Reducing the chance of colds and viruses — bacteria thrives in drier air, but has a harder time traveling in moist air
- Less sinus congestion and discomfort with humid air
- Skin will be less dry and itchy
- Eyes, nose, and throat will be less itchy and uncomfortable when the air is more humid
- Your home and furnishings will stay in better condition when they don’t get dried out from the dry winter air
You and your home will look and feel better with humid air. For all the information you need on incorporating a humidifier into your home this winter, contact the team at H.H. Hovey.
