What You Need to Know About Humidifiers and Your Home

August 21, 2019

Boise HVAC — Indoor Humidifier in Boise, ID

Even though the weather is still warm, fall and winter aren't far away. The closer it gets to the cooler months, the more you need to consider the benefits of a whole-house humidifier. If you're not sure why you need this HVAC system component, take a look at the answers to the top humidifier questions homeowners have.

Why Do You Need a Humidifier?

While this isn't a requirement for your home heating system, it can dramatically change the indoor environment. To understand why you need this appliance, you need to also understand the benefits. These include:

Reduce respiratory illness issues. While a humidifier won't stop the spread of bacteria and viruses, it can help to improve respiratory function. The moisture these devices add to the air can soothe a sore throat, make it easier to breath, and ease symptoms of a cold or the flu.
Improve asthma symptoms. Like respiratory illnesses, a humidifier can also reduce the symptoms of asthma. On its own, a humidifier won't stop an asthma attack. But it can add a sense of comfort or make breathing easier.
Stop chapped lips. Do your lips chap easily? Even though this may seem like a minor irritation, chapped lips can crack and bleed. This can result in added discomfort and infection. Warm, humid air can stop the chap and reduce the risks to your lips.
Added comfort. You don't need to have a cold, asthma, or chapped lips/skin to benefits from a humidifier. This whole-home device will fill the entire space with comforting warm, moist air.

Not only will a humidifier help your health, but it can also help other living things in your home — namely plants. Think about the environment of a greenhouse. While the humidifier won't make your home as moist as this specialized space, it can help your indoor plants to grow and flourish.

Can a Humidifier Make You Sick?

You may have heard that humidifiers spread disease into the air. While this is true under some circumstances, overall home humidifiers are healthy and safe to use. In most cases, humidifiers cause problems only when homeowners don't maintain them properly.

A dirty humidifier, like dirty HVAC ducts, can spread viruses, bacteria, or mold throughout your home. To reduce the risks:

Clean the humidifier regularly. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for regular cleaning. If you're not sure how to clean the unit, ask the HVAC specialist.
Schedule routine service. While regular cleaning will help to maintain the humidifier, you should also schedule professional service from a qualified HVAC technician.
Replace the water pad, evaporator pad, or filter (depending on your model). Consult your humidifier's instructions or ask a professional what your specific appliance requires.

A regular maintenance routine can decrease the likelihood of a microbial or fungal invasion. Even though you may use the humidifier more when the cold weather and dry in-home heat starts, year-round care is necessary for healthy indoor air.

Can a Humidifier Help Maintain a Home's Interior?

Humidifiers aren't only beneficial for humans or other living things (such as plants). A while-home appliance can help to preserve your home's interior — especially when the weather cools and the heated air dries everything out.

How can a humidifier help your home? The moist air can:

Maintain wooden floors. Dry air pulls moisture from your wooden floors. This can cause your floors to splinter and crack. A humidifier can solve this problem and help you to create the right moisture level inside your home.
Maintain plaster and paint. Like flooring, dry air can cause plaster and paint to crack. While an overly moist environment isn't ideal, a humidifier can balance the interior air and save your walls.
Maintain artwork. The art on your walls requires a delicate moisture balance. A humidifier prevents dry out and cracking.

Along with these home and décor issues, a humidifier can also add the moisture needed for your electronics, musical instruments, and wooden furniture.

Do you need a whole-home humidifier? Contact Northwest Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. for more information.

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