During the colder months of the year, the weather outside may be frightful, but that doesn’t mean the inside of your home can’t be delightful. One way to create a healthier and more comfortable indoor space is to install a whole-house humidifier on your heating system. 

Most people do not realize the damage dry air can cause and the benefits a humidifier can provide. Low humidity levels can cause health issues, damage your home, and more. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends keeping indoor humidity between 30 and 50%.

Signs of Low Humidity in Your Home

A hygrometer (moisture or humidity gauge) – available at most hardware stores – will measure the level of humidity in your home, but here are a few signs you may have low humidity in your home:

• Dry, itchy skin
• Bloody noses
• Scratchy throat
• Static electricity
• Dry and cracking wood

10 Benefits of a Humidifier in the Winter

1. Lower Heating Bills
   Humid air feels warmer than dry air; therefore, if you use a humidifier, you can turn the thermostat down and not affect your comfort level while enjoying lower heating bills.
   
   
2. Lower the Risk of Colds and Flu
   “Humidity helps fight flu” by killing flu virus particles, according to Scientific America. “The less water in the air, the longer the flu virus survives. And that leads to a greater chance of someone catching the bug.”
   
   
3. Shorten Illness Recovery Time
   “Dry nostrils are more prone to viruses, and if you’re already sick, dry air can worsen a sore throat,” Johns Hopkins Medicine states. “Try using a humidifier.” Adding moisture to the air may also help loosen congestion, according to the Mayo Clinic.
   
   
4. Improve Your Sinuses
   “A dry climate or heated indoor air will both dry out the membranes in your nose. And when the mucus up in there dries, it gets thicker and is more likely to clog your sinuses. The result? Pain and pressure,” WebMD states.
   
   
5. Reduce Allergy Symptoms
   Humidity can help reduce allergy symptoms caused by inflammation.
   
   
6. Reduce Snoring
   “When the mouth, nasal cavities, pallet, and airway get dried out, it tends to make snoring worse. The vibrations of these dry tissues caused by each breath in and out can intensify the sound of snoring,” according to experts.
   
   
7. Alleviate Dry Skin and Eyes
   In the winter, your eyes may feel dry, and your skin may feel itchy and irritated. Often, these symptoms are a result of dry air.
   
   
8. Reduce Static Electricity
   We’ve all felt the shock of static electricity, especially in the winter, and it isn’t pleasant. “Dry air leads to static electricity build-up — which means a higher chance for electrostatic shocks, as well as hair static. Yes, even your hair can build up extra electrons when the air dries out, leading your hair strands to repel from each other!” according to experts. “You can help ease static hair and shocks indoors by using a humidifier to keep the relative humidity above 45 percent.”
   
   
9. Keep Your Houseplants Healthier
   Houseplants can improve the air quality in your home, but low humidity can make it difficult for them to thrive. “Most indoor environments lack sufficient humidity for healthy indoor plants, particularly in the winter,” according to the University of Maryland. “With the exception of the cacti and succulents, all indoor plants benefit from treatments to raise the humidity in their vicinity.”
   
   
10. Protect Your Home’s Interior
    Dry air can cause floorboards to shrink or warp, wallpaper to peel, paint to chip, furniture, and fabrics to dry out, and increased dust in your home.

Get the Ultimate in-Home Comfort

Ultimate Comfort Heating and Cooling Services provides indoor air quality solutions, such as air filters, humidifiers, whole home dehumidifiers, and fresh air ventilators. If your home’s temperature and air quality are not providing the comfort you deserve then call us today at 610-750-8314 or connect with us online for a FREE Comfort Analysis. 

Estimates and consultations for new systems are provided FREE of charge.