Does Your Home Need a Humidifier?

This is a common question we find people discussing in public and all the pros and cons related to it. But what exactly does a humidifier do to your home?

Let’s crack it down today!

What is a humidifier?

Humidifier is an electronic appliance which helps to increase the moisture in your room or the entire home. There are a few types of humidifiers but the purpose is the same to control humidity. If central humidifiers are used to cater to the entire house, these are usually connected to a home’s HVAC system. There exist large humidifiers as well which are used for commercial or industrial setups.

How do Humidifiers help?

Humidifiers can definitely help our living comfortable and healthy. They effectively treat dry nose, skin, lips and throat, headache and dry cough. Humidifiers are also helpful in easing symptoms caused by common cold or flu. Most of these concerns develop during winter months or when an air conditioner is used excessively during summer.

Types of Humidifiers:

Requirement is unique for each household. The type you chose all depends upon the area size you want to add moisture into, your preferences and your budget.

1. Central humidifiers

These are the most expensive humidifiers and are built in the heating unit itself which can add humidity to the entire house.

• Impeller humidifiers

This is less expensive and most child-friendly device as they create cool most and bear no risk of burns. Thee work with the help of rotating disks which run at high speeds.

• Ultrasonic humidifiers

These humidifiers have both cool and warm mist versions which produce mist with the support of ultrasonic vibration and are available for different prices depending upon size.

• Evaporators

These are usually affordable than the Central humidifiers and blow moisture through a moistened filter which can cater to only one room at a time.

• Steam Vaporizers

This type if the most inexpensive and portable and is easily available at any drugstore. Steam Vaporizers are powered electrically, they heat water, cool it and then expel it into the air.

Benefits of using Humidifier:

There are tons of benefits associated with using a humidifier in your home. Investing in a humidifier is equal to investing in the well-being of your loved ones. Know how!

Prevents health issues:

Using a humidifier well suited for your home can assist several health issues like reduce snoring, prevent influenza, prevents dryness of lips, nose, skin and hair. It also reduces allergy and asthma symptoms. Talk to an ARS consultant and educate yourselves on how humidifiers can help you breath a lot easier and prevent spread of airborne viruses.

Benefits your home:

How can humidifiers help your home? Well, using a right kind of humidifier can help wood floors or furniture last longer. It can also assist in preventing the wallpapers from cracking and any static electricity from building up. The moisture that humidifiers bring in can also be advantageous for your house plants.

Reduce the Electricity bill:

According to the Environmental Protection Act of Canada, when you lower the thermostat during winter, you can save up to 4% on the heating bill. This helps conserving energy and saving money.  The ideal humidity level at your home should be between 25% – 40% during winters and less than 60% during summer.

Helps you and your home feel warmer:

Studies prove that dry air can damage the well-being but the humidifier air can actually help you feel warmer than the dry air and keep you healthy as well. If you are wondering, how? With more water in the air, the sweat evaporates slowly and keep people feeling warm.

Possible risks and drawbacks involved with humidifiers:

It is crucial to understand how and which humidifier is best suited for your home and why is it important to use it correctly.

• It can get too humid at times which can worsen the allergic symptoms
• If the water tank of the unit is dirty, there is a possibility that an individual breathes bad or dirty air.
• Moisture can accumulate on walls and ceilings
• There is a possibility of steam burns from the unit
• Humidifiers can produce a certain level of noise

Tips on using a Humidifier:

• Don’t let the water sit in for too long, change it regularly
• Ensure regular cleaning of the tank
• Keep a track of humidity levels
• Change any filters if required
• Make sure to use purified or distilled water that does not contain minerals
• Ensure safety and caution while using it around children

It is a great idea to use a humidifier during winter or summer months. Take a look around, identify the humidifier best suitable to your home and set it up before it cause any health issues to your or your family.