The cozy warmth of home is an essential need when you're stuck in the icy grip of a Canadian winter. Unfortunately, your home’s heating system can also be the cause of dry throats, skin, and hair.
Forced-air central heating systems re-heat the air in your home multiple times throughout the day. Typically, this causes the air in your home to become dry – making it uncomfortable and unhealthy. In some cases, a whole-home humidifier is the only way to bring humidity levels into a healthy range.
Installing a furnace humidifier or investing in a whole-house humidifier will allow you to breathe easily and make your home’s ecosystem more comfortable. Once your home is brought to the ideal moisture level, you will notice a significant improvement in the comfort of your living space. If you’re experiencing irritated eyes, dry nose and throat, or indoor allergies, you would benefit from a humidifier.
Dry Air Can Lead to Health Problems
Allergy sufferers notice that even a short period spent in dry air can exacerbate symptoms. From increased mucus production to irritated nasal membranes and even sinus headaches, air that is too dry can be the cause of extreme discomfort. Furthermore, if you have asthma, excessively dry air can trigger an attack.
While portable humidifiers are the most common, they provide only localized relief. Unless you are willing to move the system around with you all day, opting for a portable unit will have you missing out on the benefits a properly humidified home can provide. Whole-house humidifiers offer numerous benefits including creating comfort throughout all of your living space. As a bonus, whole-house models operate much more quietly than portable ones, so you won’t be tempted to turn it off and on.
Beyond eliminating dry skin and sinus discomfort, a whole home humidifying system significantly reduces static electricity.
Protect Your Family and Furnishings
Bringing your home’s humidity levels into the normal range is not just healthy for you but beneficial for your home. Maintaining proper moisture levels will also help protect wood surfaces by preventing peeling or cracking. It will allow your wood furniture and floors to stay in better shape for a longer period.
As an additional bonus, investing in a whole-house humidifier to maintain the correct humidity levels in the home will make you feel warmer, even if the thermostat is set at the same temperature as usual. Most homeowners find that when they invest in a whole-house humidifier, they can set their thermostat slightly lower than they did previously, in turn allowing them to use less energy to heat their home.