The Birmingham, AL area is notorious for being humid, which leads many homeowners to question if a humidifier is really something they need. Believe it or not, the benefits of whole house humidifier use in Alabama are numerous! The indoor air quality experts at Douglas Cooling & Heating explain why it’s helpful to have one of these units installed alongside your home’s heating and cooling system.
What Are the Benefits of Installing a Whole House Humidifier?
Even though the Yellowhammer State can get pretty muggy at times, this doesn’t mean we don’t have periods of dryness, too. When the outdoor temperatures dip in the late fall and winter, the air naturally becomes less humid. The outdoor air conditions have a great impact on air quality inside the home, so expect indoor air to be less humid during this time of year, too.
When enough moisture is absent from the circulating air, dryness will cause a host of problems in the home. A whole house humidifier helps homeowners counteract the physical symptoms and discomfort they may feel while protecting their homes and helping their heating systems operate more efficiently throughout the cold season.
1. Reduce Winter Dry Air Symptoms
Over the winter, people are more likely to fall ill – would you believe that drier air has something to do with this? Because it does! Exposure to dry air causes a person’s skin and mucus membranes to dry out. You may experience uncomfortable symptoms like chapped lips and dry skin, along with nosebleeds as nasal linings are robbed of protective moisture. Itchy eyes, scratchy throats, and other physical symptoms often attributed to colds can actually stem from dry air.
You may be more likely to actually fall ill when surrounded by dry air because some viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens thrive in such an environment. Increasing indoor moisture levels with a whole house humidifier prevents these harmful germs from traveling through the air and infecting bodies easily.
2. Your Body Feels Warmer
When the air is dry, you feel cooler. This is because there is little moisture to help trap warmth around your body. In a home with dry air issues, occupants may waste significant energy and money turning up the heat when they should have been turning on a humidifier.
The benefits of whole home humidifier use include reduced heating system operation because occupants are able to maintain comfort at temperatures a few degrees lower than they would in dry air conditions. The result is energy savings and owing less money to your utility provider each winter.
3. Prevent Home Damage
Dry air can drastically affect the different woodwork and furnishings throughout your house. When the air is dry, wood loses moisture which can lead to warping and cracks. That annoying creaky floorboard or door that doesn’t seem to fit right in its frame is likely the result of not enough humidity. Adding moisture to the home’s air through the benefits of whole house humidifier operation in the winter will help your wood items maintain their shape and condition.
4. Humidifiers Are Easy to Use
Adding moisture to the air is necessary at times, but it doesn’t have to be a big chore. One of the best benefits of a central humidifier is the convenience this equipment offers! Unlike a portable humidifier that needs constant refilling and cleaning, a whole house model requires very little maintenance. A dedicated water line supplies the system at all times, and cleaning can be done annually as part of regular heating and air conditioning system maintenance work. Change the water panel once per year, set it, and forget it!
Whole House Humidifier Installation in Birmingham, AL
If the benefits of a whole house humidifier sound good to you, prepare for winter by calling Douglas Cooling & Heating today to ensure your home’s humidity levels are in check. Our team of indoor air quality pros will help you find the right equipment for your needs and provide expert installation so your new humidifier is sure to offer the many benefits you can’t wait to enjoy, including a healthy and comfortable environment.
