There’s no way around it; the next few months we’re in for some chilly and potentially nasty weather here in Northeast Ohio. Spending time in the cold, dry air can lead to a variety of problems, too. For instance, you might find yourself getting sick more often or dealing with dry, itchy skin. This is why utilizing a humidifier can be extremely useful throughout the winter.

6 Benefits of a Home Humidifier

A humidifier increases the amount of moisture in the air by releasing steam or water vapor. While most people associate humidity with hot, steamy summer days and feeling sticky or uncomfortable, in the wintertime, humidity actually provides a variety of benefits to your health, comfort and home. Some of these benefits include:

1. Improve indoor air quality. Poor air quality is responsible for a variety of health and home comfort issues, and humidity levels play a key role in the air quality of your home.
2. Decrease the risk for illnesses. When humidity levels are low, illnesses like the cold and flu are more common to occur. This is because dry air can reduce your resistance to the viruses and bacteria that cause them. Plus, in moist air, those viruses and bacteria can’t travel as well.
3. Alleviate allergy and asthma symptoms. Dry air can irritate the sinuses and lungs and aggravate those with allergies and/or asthma. You might notice more sore throats, itchy eyes, and even bloody noises, too.
4. Keep skin soft and smooth. Throughout the winter, as the moisture in the air decreases, the risk for dry, cracked skin increases. Even worse, dull or flaky skin can lead to accelerated aging, too. A home humidifier helps you maintain more supple, vibrant skin and smooth, un-chapped lips.
5. Preserve your home’s appearance. Have you noticed your paint cracking or wallpaper peeling in corners? This could be due to dry air in your home. A humidifier also helps protect your wooden floors and furniture, keeping them from cracking or splitting. Plus, reduce the amount of electric shocks you get from static electricity when you turn on a light or reach down to pet your dog or cat!
6. Save money. Finally, one of the best benefits of a home humidifier is the fact that you can reduce your energy bills over the winter. How? Well, if the air in your home has more moisture, it will feel warmer. This means you won’t need to run the furnace quite as much; even though the temperature is the same, the moisture in the air will keep you cozy and warm, making you less tempted to crank up the heat.

If you have any questions about adding a home humidifier to your furnace this winter, contact our team of professionals today! If you’re in the Cleveland area, give us a call at 216-663-6462.