The coming of winter here in Bay Village, OH, means that your home is apt to experience dry air for the next few months. As the temperature falls, the ambient moisture in the air coalesces into droplets. That’s why you get dew on the ground in the early morning hours in the spring and summer, and why dry air dominates our homes in the winter. It can be a significant problem, but luckily, there’s a way to address it.
Why Is Dry Air a Problem?
If you’ve every experienced dry air, you know how uncomfortable it can be. When the relative humidity levels drop below 30% or so, the air is dry enough to rob your skin and sinuses of moisture. That leads to chapped lips, dry itchy skin, increased vulnerability to colds and flu bugs, and the nasty shock of static electricity. Even worse, it makes the air feel colder than it is, which forces the heater to spend more energy and raises your bills accordingly.
Just Add Water
The solution is simple: add more ambient moisture to the air to raise the relative humidity levels to something comfortable (usually between 30% and 50%). But how do you do that for the entire house? The answer is a whole-house humidifier, installed in the ducts of your HVAC system and working in conjunction with your heater. A fan blows across a large wick or pad, which is moistened by a reservoir of water. The ambient moisture is added to the air blowing through your ducts, replenishing the moisture and reducing or eliminating the problems associated with dry air. Humidifiers are easy to install provided you use a professional service, and they can last for many years with regular maintenance.
Call Westland Heating and Air to hear more about humidifiers and how they can help your household this winter!
