A humidifier is a great way to improve the moisture in your home. However, it can be hard to know if you should invest in one.
People tend to make buying decisions based on their personal experience and home humidity. As a result, a home that’s too dry can cause uncomfortable and damaging effects.
When To Use A Humidifier
A humidifier is mostly needed during winter as it may cause dryness and several allergies due to low humidity. Pet problems and sickness are also signs of low humidity that can be prevented by a humidifier and restore a healthy environment.
In the winter, when the temperature drops, humidity levels should be between 35 and 50%. This is the ideal humidity level for most homes.
A hygrometer is a simple and reliable way to measure the humidity in your home. It can help determine if your home needs more moisture.
Signs You Need A Humidifier
The most common sign that you need a humidifier is if you have morning or nighttime congestion. Getting sick can cause a lot of congestion. The warm and dry air outside can dry out your nasal passages, which could be causing congestion.
You need to understand that it is necessary to buy a humidifier if you experience any of the following symptoms. In this article, we’ll talk about some of the important signs that will affect the moisture levels in your home and the need for a humidifier.
Below are more common signs that you may need a humidifier:
1. Dry and Irritable Skin
One of the most common signs that a humidifier is needed is that you have dry skin. It can tell you that the air in your home does not have enough moisture.
If you have been using a humidifier for a long time, it might cause some issues. In severe cases, it can lead to the development of colds and coughs.
The air we breathe is creating a vacuum that draws moisture out of our skin and hair. This is why you feel extra dry!
Having a whole-home humidifier will help keep the air in your home fresh and comfortable. It will also help prevent the accumulation of dust and other particles that can cause uncomfortable sensations.
2. Worsening Allergies
One of the main advantages of using a humidifier is that it can help people overcome various allergies and diseases. For instance, it can break down the phlegm that builds up in the throat and nose. It can also help people breathe easier.
If you suffer from asthma or related respiratory issues, Humidifier is a must option to have.
A sore throat that never ends A runny nose that makes you feel exhausted. A sore throat that pushes you to go through boxes of tissues A cold-like feeling in the lower body.
Low humidity can also cause the lining of your respiratory tract to dry out. This can make it hard to keep airborne microbes at bay.
3. Cracks In The Wood
Low humidity can also cause cracks to form on wood furniture. This is because the moisture that’s trapped in the wood will be taken away from the surface. This process can usually last for a long time.
This issue can cause various issues depending on how big the crack is. If it gets too big, you might require the help of a professional to fix it.
Aside from people, wooden furniture and floors can also suffer from the effects of dry air. It can pull moisture away from the wood and cause issues with your flooring.
A humidifier is a great investment for protecting your home if it has wooden floors or other wood-based furniture. In most cases, a hardwood floor humidifier is required to qualify for a home warranty.
A humidifier will help keep your home comfortable and dry during the winter months. It will also help remove the excess moisture that builds up in your air.
4. Static Electricity
Static electricity can also be triggered by the presence of dry air. It can also be caused by the buildup of static charge in the air.
5. Frequent Use of Heater
If you regularly use a heater during the winter season, then you might want to consider getting a humidifier. It will help remove moisture from the air and prevent the buildup of carbon.
This saves you money on your electricity bills, but it can also reduce the airflow in the room. A humidifier will help you keep the humidity in the room, allowing you to feel more comfortable.
6. Pet Behaviour Change
Your pet might also feel less comfortable when the humidity drops. This can trigger a variety of respiratory issues, such as dry mouth and wheezing. A humidifier can prevent these pet problems.
7. Furnace Usage
Your home’s air will get drier as it warms, and this will cause the cycle to continue. Having a humidifier will help break the cycle and reduce your energy bill. When it’s cold, you’re going to have to rely on your furnace.
8. Soil Drying Out
Low humidity can also affect the growth of plants. They can experience faster drying out and fall from the plant.
Easy Ways to Calculate Humidity Level
The ice cube method is a simple and effective way to measure your humidity levels. To get started, place the ice cubes in the glass for about four minutes. After about four minutes, check the glass. If the glass has condensation or dripping on the outside, it’s possible that your humidity levels are too high.
Another easy way to determine the amount of moisture in the air is by measuring the hygrometer. This device measures the humidity of the air in the room.
Get the hygrometer in the room and set it up. Its normal humidity level will be around 30% to 50%. However, it can also vary depending on the temperature.
A hygrometer is often included in a humidifier to help control the humidity in your home. This device will automatically turn on once the levels get too high.
Humidifiers: Warm vs Cold Mist
Both the cool and the warm mist humidifiers are great for creating a pleasant atmosphere inside the house. They work by adding moisturizing moisture to the air.
Although it’s natural to use a warm-mist humidifier during the winter months, many people prefer the cool-mist type during the hot summer months.
Some people believe that a warm mist humidifier is a safer alternative to a regular one. However, it should be noted that these products can still pose a fire risk if they are used with children.
How to Maintain Your Humidifier
To keep your humidifier running smoothly, regularly remove mineral buildup and disinfect it with a 10% bleach solution. Be sure to rinse the tank with plenty of water to prevent the machine from getting dirty.
If you have a forced-air heating system and can’t manage the maintenance of a portable unit, you could install a home flow-through humidifier.
Give it another cleaning before storing it. It’s also important to remove any bacteria that has accumulated inside the humidifier.
Never store a humidifier inside a wet filter. It should be cleaned once and thoroughly dried before storing it for the season.