We’re well aware of how cold it can get in Chicago and the surrounding area during the winter. But when the cold combines with low humidity, it can feel downright miserable. When the indoor humidity level drops below 30 percent, it can lead to health issues including dry skin, chapped lips and congestion.
Fortunately, relief from low humidity can be found by installing a whole house humidifier to your existing HVAC system. These indoor air quality systems provide moisture to your home’s air supply to balance humidity levels across your entire home.
If you’re concerned about the damaging effects of low humidity in your home in Chicago’s North Shore or Chicago’s Northwest suburbs, contact Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric today. We can install indoor air quality solutions, including whole house humidifiers, to make your home’s air supply healthier and more comfortable.
How Do Whole House Humidifiers Work?
You’re probably aware of portable humidifiers. A small, portable humidifier is typically placed in a bedroom and can provide moisture to just that space. While this is an effective and convenient solution if one person in your family suffers from sinus or respiratory illnesses, a portable humidifier provides no coverage for the rest of your home.
That’s where a whole house humidifier can help. A whole house humidifier is installed directly to your HVAC system and provides humidification throughout a home. The humidifier is controlled by a humidistat which you can set manually or with a remote control.
When the indoor humidity level drops below a certain level, the whole house humidifier kicks on and adds moisture to the air, which is then pushed out by the blower fan, into the ductwork and finally dispersed throughout your home.
Indoor humidity levels should generally be around 30 to 50 percent. You can set the humidity a little lower during the winter months. For example, set the humidity to about 35 percent when the temperature is 20 degrees outside and about 40 percent when the temperature is 30 degrees.
Commons Signs That You Need to Install a Whole House Humidifier
The installation of a whole house humidifier can benefit your home and your health. Some of the most common benefits include:
Improving Your Health
Cold, dry air creates a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria to thrive. Adding moisture can eliminate the threat of viruses and bacteria in your home. A whole house humidifier adds moisture to your nasal passages and respiratory system, helping prevent the likelihood of catching a cold or the flu, as well as an infection.
Increasing Your Personal Comfort
Dry air can cause a decrease in personal comfort levels due to dehydration, throat irritation, dry skin and nose, asthma and allergies. These symptoms can also contribute to a poor night’s sleep.
Protecting Your Home
Even your home and furnishings can benefit from additional moisture in the air. Low humidity levels can cause wood floors, walls and furniture to crack and warp. Low humidity can also cause paint to chip and damage electronics.
Saving You Money
When you increase the humidity level in your home with a whole house humidifier, your home will naturally feel warmer, allowing you to keep the thermostat at a lower setting. This can help lower your monthly energy bills.
Contact Ravinia Plumbing for the Installation of a Whole House Humidifier
Your home’s indoor air quality plays a vital role in the comfort and health of you and your family. If you are experiencing health symptoms due to low indoor humidity levels, contact the indoor air quality specialists at Ravinia Plumbing to schedule an appointment for whole house humidifier installation.
