Winters in Wisconsin can be a magical time. Snow clings to the trees and creates glittering landscapes. The cold breeze seems to reinvigorate the soul and makes us appreciate the warmer months to come.
Even though all of this seems delightful, winter comes with a number of issues when it comes to comfort in your home. Once Old Man Winter blows into town, do you experience any of these:
- Touch a doorknob and… ZAP! Static electricity strikes again?
- Nose bleeds that seem to appear from nowhere, leaving you reaching for a tissue?
- Dry and cracked skin that has no sign of relief, leaving you and your family itching for summer?
- Your wood floors and furniture look like they are pleading for help, and sometimes even cracking or separating?
Low humidity could be the major cause of those pesky winter occurrences. Fortunately, you don’t have to put up with these things any longer. You could resolve them with a professionally installed humidifier.
Let’s take a more in-depth look at the top signs you need a humidifier and why low humidity is so common during the winter.
How to Know if You Need a Humidifier
To maintain a healthy and comfortable living environment, it is important to ensure that the humidity level in your home is balanced. But how do you do this? First of all, you can keep an eye out for telltale signs that the humidity in your home is creeping up. You can also schedule an IAQ test with your local HVAC technician to get an accurate reading of your home’s humidity levels.
For now, review the most common signs you need a humidifier in your house:
1. Dry Skin, Throat, & Nose
If you frequently experience dry air indoors, it may be a sign that you need a humidifier. Dry air can cause issues such as dry skin, a dry throat, and even irritated nasal passages. By introducing moisture to the air, a humidifier can alleviate these discomforts and improve overall indoor air quality.
2. Respiratory Discomfort
Dry air can contribute to respiratory issues such as sore throat, dry throat, and congestion. If you or your family members frequently experience these symptoms during the winter months, a humidifier can provide relief. Adding moisture to the air helps soothe the respiratory system and reduces the likelihood of these discomforts.
3. High Humidity Levels
One of the simplest ways to determine if you need a humidifier is to check the level of humidity in your home. Ideally, the humidity level should be between 40% and 60%. You can use a hygrometer to measure the humidity level accurately. If it falls below this range, a humidifier can help restore a healthy moisture balance.
4. Damage to Wood and Furniture
Dry air can be particularly harmful to wooden furniture and flooring. If you notice cracks in your wood floors or furniture, it could be a sign that the air is too dry. A humidifier can prevent further damage by adding moisture to the air, which helps maintain the integrity of your wooden surfaces.
5. Static Electricity
Have you noticed an increase in static electricity shocks when walking around your home? Static is one of the biggest signs you need a humidifier. By increasing the humidity level, a humidifier can reduce static, making your home more comfortable and safe.
What Causes Low Humidity?
Humidity is water vapor that is suspended in the air. During the warmer months, the air holds onto more moisture than the air in cooler months. Once the temperatures start dropping, the cold air that enters your home from outside carries little moisture. While we run our furnaces in the winter to keep temperatures warm, it does not increase the amount of moisture in the air. The little moisture that does exist in your home gets sucked up quickly into the air, leaving your skin, nose, and even porous objects like wood furniture dry.
The Solution to Low Humidity — A Humidifier!
The best solution to low humidity is installing a whole-house humidifier. These mount right to your furnace and require very little maintenance. You can set the humidity level, and it will automatically adjust to deliver the amount you need. We recommend that most homes should be at 40-60% humidity in order to be most comfortable.
Do I Need a Humidifier or a Dehumidifier?
It’s common to wonder whether your home needs more moisture — or less. The answer depends on your indoor air conditions and the time of year.
You May Need a Humidifier If…
The air in your home is too dry. This is especially common during Wisconsin winters, when cold outdoor air holds very little moisture and your heating system further dries things out. If you’re dealing with any of the five signs we mentioned above, a humidifier is likely the right solution.
You May Need a Dehumidifier If…
There is too much moisture in the air. High humidity is more common during warmer months and can lead to issues like musty odors, condensation on windows, and even mold growth. In this case, a dehumidifier is the hero you need.
Common Myths About Installing a Whole-Home Humidifier
When homeowners hear that a humidifier adds moisture back into their home, they often hesitate, wondering if this is really the best solution to their low humidity problems. And we 100% stand behind the fact that they are! That’s why we want to take a moment to clear up some of the common misconceptions about humidifiers you may have heard.
Myth #1: Humidifiers Make the Air Feel Damp or Sticky
In reality, a properly installed whole-home humidifier is designed to maintain balanced humidity levels, not create excess moisture. When set within the recommended 40-60% range, your home will feel more comfortable, not clammy.
Myth #2: Portable Units Work Just as Well as Whole-Home Systems
While portable humidifiers can help in small areas, they often require frequent refilling and only treat one room at a time. A whole-home humidifier works with your HVAC system to evenly distribute moisture throughout your entire house.
Myth #3: Humidifiers Require Constant Maintenance
Whole-home humidifiers are actually designed to be low-maintenance. With routine service from an HVAC professional and occasional filter or pad changes, they can operate efficiently with minimal effort on your part.
Trust Our Residential IAQ Services to Keep Your Home Comfortable
If you recognize any of these signs that you need a humidifier, call H.J. Faust, Inc. today to schedule an appointment. With our Burlington HVAC services and solutions for the surrounding areas, we can help you figure out the best way to get in control of your comfort, whether that includes installing a humidifier or tuning up your HVAC system.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Humidity
What is the ideal humidity level for a home?
For maximum comfort and health, we recommend keeping your home’s humidity level between 40% and 60%. If the level drops below 30%, you’ll likely start noticing static electricity and itchy, dry skin. If it climbs above 60%, you might see moisture sweating on your windows.
Is a whole-home humidifier better than a portable unit?
While portable units are great for a single small bedroom, they struggle to keep up with an entire house. A whole-home humidifier is integrated directly into your HVAC system, meaning:
- Consistency: It treats the air in every room simultaneously.
- Low Maintenance: You don’t have to carry heavy water tanks to the sink every day.
- Efficiency: It uses your existing ductwork to distribute moisture evenly.
Will a humidifier make my home feel warmer?
It can! Moist air tends to feel warmer than dry air, which means you may be able to lower your thermostat slightly without sacrificing comfort. This can also help improve your home’s overall energy efficiency during colder months.
Will adding moisture to the air help with my snoring or allergies?
Dry air is a major irritant for your respiratory system. It can dry out your nasal passages, making you more susceptible to winter colds and increasing snoring due to throat irritation. By keeping the air hydrated, you keep your body’s natural defenses working properly, which often leads to a much better night’s sleep for everyone in the house.
