Winter is the time of year when the weather here in Indiana can turn drier than normal. This is because much of the moisture vapor in the air freezes. Furnaces in homes can contribute to the problem, since the standard atmospheric furnace draws air from the home to run, allowing more outside air to move in—outside air that’s drier than the indoor air.
When relative humidity falls below 30%, it can start to create comfort and health issues in a home. A single portable humidifier doesn’t do much good against this; these humidifiers are best for use in an infant’s room. We recommend you instead have our professionals install a whole-house humidifier in your HVAC system.
Here are a few of the benefits you’ll experience during the winter thanks to balanced humidity:
- Better comfort: Low humidity allows heat to escape from the human body faster. That’s great in summer. It’s not so great in winter. When the humidity is balanced, people in your house will feel around 10°F warmer than they would otherwise.
- Energy savings: When people feel warmer in the home, it means you won’t have to keep the heating system running as often. Balanced humidity can mean a reduction of 25% off the usual cost to keep your house warm in the winter.
- Fewer illnesses: Dry air dries out mucus and sinus membranes. Since these are vital bodily defenses against germs and viruses, dry air will mean a higher chance of people getting sick. With a whole-house humidifier, you can expect a healthier winter season for everyone.
- Stop dry skin: Dry conditions allow moisture out of your skin, leading to itchy, cracked, and dry skin and lips. If you use skin lotion and lip balm all through the season, maybe you should have a humidifier put in.
You only have to call our indoor air quality experts to find out more about setting up your home with a great whole-house humidifier. And if you want to prepare for humid summers, we also install whole-house dehumidifiers.
Collier’s Heating & Air Conditioning serves Syracuse, IN and the surrounding areas. “A company you’ve grown to trust.”
