Do you have a dry cough that just won’t go away? Are your trim boards cracking or separating from the wall? Low humidity levels in your home could be the culprit. We’re truly dependent on our heating systems in Northeast Ohio typically from November through April. Whether you have a furnace, boiler, or wood stove, that’s at least 5 months of heating the air in your home. Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air and is typically measured as a percentage. Ideally the humidity level in your home should be a constant 30-50%. In the summer the air naturally has a higher level of humidity. In the winter, however, it is the opposite. With low natural humidity levels in addition to the evaporative qualities of heating the air, the result is very dry air inside your home. Here are 5 signs that you are in need of a whole-house humidifier…
1) Increased Respiratory issues
If anyone in your family suffers from allergies or asthma, the symptoms could be exacerbated by low humidity levels. A balance of moisture in the air will help keep the lungs lubricated and functioning properly.
2) Frequent Illness
Sure we all get the seasonal cold every now and again, but if your cold or flu just won’t go away it could be the result of dry air which leads to dry mucous membranes allowing a perfect breading ground for viruses to enter and thrive in your body.
3) Skin Issues
If you’re constantly applying lotion to dry flaky skin and Chapstick to cracked sore lips, a whole-house humidifier will help to maintain that moisture and keep your lips and skin healthy.
4) Cracking and Damage to Your Home and Furniture
Dry air affects our homes and furnishings just as if affects our bodies. A low humidity level pulls moisture out of your walls, floors, ceilings, and even furniture leaving large gaps and cracks. Cracked wall and floor materials may allow leaking air from your home causing your furnace to work overtime.
5) Higher Bills
Your heating system will be the most efficient with an ideal humidity level between 30%-50%. A humidity imbalance will change the feel of the air, most likely causing you to turn up the temperature, which of course will lead to higher energy bills.
Having the proper humidity level in your home year round is important for your health and the health and efficiency of both your cooling and heating systems. Contact an Optimum Climates certified technician today to find out how we can help keep your home comfortable all year round.