As weather gets cooler and the air gets drier, a humidifier can help to alleviate some cold-weather ailments. Get back to the basics with an explanation about what a humidifier does. An article on Healthline.com offers the best definition: a humidifier “adds moisture to the air to prevent dryness that can cause irritation in many parts of the body.” It looks like a small appliance that can rest on the floor or on a flat surface, and it sprays continual bursts of mist into the air.
The water vapor in the air can raise the humidity level in your room significantly, but only to a level that is still comfortable. An article about indoor air quality by the EPA recommends indoor humidity levels at 30% to 60% to avoid mold growth while still promoting skin and mucus membrane moisture. When used correctly, a humidifier can prevent dry skin, chapped lips and even reduce snoring.
Still wondering if you need a humidifier in your home? Read this list to find out.
5 Reasons You Need a Humidifier
1. Relieve Dry Skin
If you experience dry skin, dry throat, bloody noses, or chapped lips you may benefit from a humidifier. The water vapor in their helps hydrate the surfaces of your body. Humidifiers provide some relief for people with psoriasis or eczema, especially during dry winters and AC infused summers. A humidifier works with your existing indoor air conditioning system to create the right environment for you.
2. Recover from Sinus Infections Faster
Summer brings colds and other viruses, and various forms of sinusitis can take children and parents out of the game for a few days. The same Healthline article says that humidifier treatment can help alleviate the symptoms of a sinus infection, helping you heal faster. Keeping your nasal passages lubricated helps you breathe better at night and improve overall circulation.
3. Relieve Chronic Respiratory Symptoms
Summer air conditioning and winter dryness can be especially hard on family members with asthma, allergies, or other chronic respiratory illnesses. However, they can easily benefit from a humidifier. Not only does the vapor keep their nasal passages moisturized, but it also helps keep their nasal passages open. They can breathe better at night, even when it’s dry.
4. Control Static
You’re probably used to winter static which results in bad hair days and random electric shocks. The vapors of a humidifier lessens electric current during the winter with the ions on its vapor. Additionally, the moisture in the air lessens the friction rubbing between dry objects, protecting you from electric shock.
5. Plant Life
Like a tolerable, indoor greenhouse effect, humidifiers offer moisture for the plants in the room. While you still need to water your plants, the moisture from the humidifier offers a degree of hydration, even in the winter.
Do You Need a Humidifier?
Staying cool in the summer, comfortable in the winter, and maintaining good indoor quality is a careful balancing act. Do not go overboard with your humidifier, otherwise your home can breed mold, mildew, surface bacteria, or mites.
There are plenty of benefits to incorporating a humidifier in your home, but for bigger indoor air problems, get help from a professional. With NATE certified HVAC technicians and a wealth of industry knowledge, Princeton Oil Fuels has the resources you need to create your perfect indoor environment. Contact PFO for more information on heating and cooling systems today.