If you are like many people, you probably think humidifiers are only useful in dry regions with low humidity levels. Here’s the interesting bit. Cold temperatures and turning heating systems on make the air drier. In fact, cold air holds relatively less water vapor.
This is where humidifiers come in handy. These appliances add moisture to the air, increasing the humidity levels in a room, hence hugely beneficial during winter. Remember, low humidity levels can cause discomfort and various health risks. This article explores how humidifiers prove beneficial as winter kicks in.
Table of Contents
1. Prevents Dry Winter Skin and Lips
One of the most noticeable effects of low humidity levels is dry skin and lips. During winter, cold air holds less moisture, which makes it difficult for our skin to retain its natural moisture. This factor can lead to dry, cracked, and itchy skin and chapped lips.
According to a 2019 survey by the New York Post, six in ten Americans (60%) are affected by dry winter skin syndrome. By using a humidifier, you can add moisture to the air in your home and prevent these uncomfortable conditions. This measure mainly benefits individuals with pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
2. Protects Your Family From Flu/Colds
As the temperature drops, we tend to spend more time indoors. With more people confined in small spaces, the chances of spreading illnesses such as flu and colds increase. Moreover, dry air can increase the survival rate of viruses.
According to the National Institutes of Health, low humidity levels (20% and 35% RH) increase the transmission rate of influenza. Therefore, by installing a humidifier, you can increase the humidity levels in your home. This measure will decrease the spread of the flu, protecting your family from getting sick during winter.
3. Relieves Allergies and Asthma Symptoms
Dry and stuffy indoor air often irritates the sinuses, causing the body to produce more mucus in response. However, instead of soothing, you end up with excess mucus, which makes you feel uncomfortable and congested. This further aggravates respiratory issues like allergies and asthma.
Installing a new whole-house humidifier can prevent such problems before they begin. While humidity may not remove allergens, adequate moisture can help reduce irritation. This act can make it much easier to clear your airways and reduce congestion.
4. Improve Sleep by Reducing Snoring
According to a report by Johns Hopkins Medicine, 25% of adults snore regularly, while 45% snore occasionally. Snoring occurs when the throat and facial muscles relax during sleep cycles, restricting airways. Dry air can worsen snoring by irritating the nasal passage and causing inflation. This results in louder and more frequent snoring, disrupting sleep patterns for the snorer and their partner.
A new whole-house humidifier can increase the moisture levels in your bedroom, reducing the risk of dry air irritation. The nasal passages are less likely to become inflamed, reducing snoring frequency. This measure ensures improved sleep quality for you and your partner during the cold winter nights.
5. Protects The Aesthetics and Integrity of Your Wooden Floor and Furniture
The benefits of a whole-house humidifier go beyond your health and general well-being. Due to the low temperatures in winter, wooden items like floors and furniture often lose moisture. This action results in shrinkage, cracks, warping, and wood splitting, which affects their integrity and aesthetics.
Such damages can be expensive to repair or replace. However, they are easily preventable by maintaining a certain level of humidity in your home. A whole-house humidifier can add enough moisture to prevent the shrinkage and splitting of wooden items in your home, thus protecting your investment.
Ultimately, humidifiers are beneficial devices that can improve your home’s overall comfort and health during winter. By maintaining proper humidity levels, you protect your health and wooden investment. However, choosing the right humidifier for your home is essential for maximum benefits. A new whole-house humidifier is ideal as it covers every area of your house, ensuring every room is properly humidified. Contact Home Comfort Experts to inquire about humidifiers; you’ll be glad you did.