Health Benefits of Humidifiers

Dry air in your home can be unpleasant, causing dry, itchy skin, respiratory discomfort and even nosebleeds. To stay comfortable all winter long and combat these issues, you can invest in a quality humidifier.

Let’s break down the benefits of having a humidifier for your space and some essential questions to help you understand how this equipment transforms your home.

What Do Humidifiers Do?

What does a humidifier do? Humidifiers increase the amount of water vapor in your home’s air. Your space can feel particularly dry during the winter as your heating system warms your house. A humidifier is your answer to increasing the moisture levels for optimal indoor conditions.

Whole-home humidifiers work with your forced air heating system. As the heat pump or gas furnace moves air into your home, the air passes through the humidifier. The unit will turn the water into vapor or steam, releasing the vapor into the air. In homes without humidifiers, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system sends dry, hot air out. Increasing air moisture will make your air less dry, reducing uncomfortable symptoms. 

What Are the Benefits of a Humidifier?

Humidifiers can improve your health and indoor comfort. Dry air can be stressful for your skin and well-being. You want to protect your body from discomfort, particularly as it adjusts to seasonal changes, and whole-home humidifiers are an excellent solution to boost your health. 

Check out the key benefits below:

1. Prevent Dry Skin

Dry air exposure can increase skin redness, dryness and wrinkle appearance. These can make you itchy and irritated and affect your health. People with conditions like eczema or psoriasis might experience flare-ups. Putting moisture back in the air can help prevent these issues, reducing discomfort. 

Combining moisturizing treatments with increased humidity can protect your skin from dryness and other aggravations. 

2. Reduce Respiratory Issues

Dry air can irritate your respiratory system. Your lungs and nose are lined with moist mucus layers, and dry air can dehydrate your body. When your respiratory tract lacks essential dampness, it can cause issues like dry throat, coughing and congestion. Breathing dry air can worsen conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Additionally, your inner nose skin is very sensitive — when it gets too dried out from the air, it can crack and bleed. Humidifiers put more water in the air, keeping your airways moist so they can work properly. 

3. Protect You From Bacteria and Viruses

Have you ever wondered why you get sick more often during the winter? Research shows that low humidity can help viruses spread. Keeping your home’s humidity levels between 40% and 60% can help boost anti-viral properties in your air. With a humidifier running in your home, you can help prevent the spread of illnesses, helping you and your family feel your best!

4. Improve Sleep Quality

When your respiratory system is dry, sleeping can be uncomfortable. Having moist air all night keeps your airways adequately damp, making sleep easier. Humidifiers are especially helpful for sleeping when you’re sick. 

Easier breathing is one of the main benefits of sleeping with a humidifier. More moisture in the air reduces congestion, opening up your nose and throat for easier breathing. Soothe your airways and sleep deeper with a humidifier running. 

What Types of Humidifiers Are There? 

When investing in a new humidifier, you need to pick the right model for the job. All humidifiers are designed to put moisture into the air, but they may function differently. 

Some humidifiers will suit your needs better than others, so choose carefully. Here are the two main humidifier categories you can choose from:

Portable Humidifiers

Portable humidifiers refer to small, one-room units. They’re affordable and portable, making them a good choice for short-term use. However, they need frequent refilling and cleaning to prevent mold and bacteria growth. Since they only work in one room, keeping your whole home comfortable is challenging. You would have to buy a unit for every room in your home to maintain consistent humidity everywhere.

Additionally, portable models take up valuable space in your home. You have to set them on surfaces near you to enjoy their benefits. They can disrupt your home’s design and block essential space in a room. Pulling out and setting up a humidifier whenever you want more moisture can make getting comfortable inconvenient. 

Whole-Home Humidifiers

The best option for maintaining a clean, healthy environment is a whole-home humidifier that adjusts humidity levels as needed. These systems are more convenient than common portable options, and they use a humidistat or thermostat to monitor water vapor levels and ensure your space is always feeling its best.

Whole-home humidifiers can work with your house’s ductwork or as a stand-alone system. Unlike portable units, whole-home models don’t need daily upkeep, like refilling. They work quietly, and you can’t see them while in your space. Whole-home humidifiers provide house-wide humidity control without noise or excessive maintenance. They will help you achieve the most comfortable indoor conditions all year long, especially during those cold, dry winter months.

Humidifier Maintenance

Investing in a humidifier is a great way to improve your indoor comfort. To keep your unit working for as long as possible, you need to perform regular maintenance. Whether it’s your HVAC or your humidifier, home maintenance is critical for staying comfortable. Humidifier maintenance keeps your equipment working efficiently and safely.

Use these maintenance tips to protect your whole-home humidifier: 

• Humidifier pad replacement: Whole-home humidification systems have either a pad or a canister that assists the water to be dispersed as vapor into the ductwork or house. These components may be changed once per year, if not more, if the water supplied to the system is extremely hard.
• Professional checks: Get your humidifier inspected regularly. An expert can inspect the unit and perform any essential tune-ups. They can also correct minor issues, clean off mineral deposits and adjust the water input. Professional maintenance is a great way to catch problems early before they cause damage.

Looking for an Expert? Contact Zimmerman!

Transform your home’s comfort with a whole-home humidifier from Zimmerman Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning. Our high-quality humidifier installations can make your home healthier and more enjoyable, preventing issues caused by dry air. 

With our reliable services in Mechanicsburg and Central Pennsylvania, you’ll enjoy an improvement in your air quality. You can count on the experts at Zimmerman to deliver the humidifier services you need and enjoy a minimum one-year labor and parts warranty.

Are you ready to enhance your home’s comfort? Contact us for your free quote today!