Indiana’s icy cold winters often leave our homes with dry air that’s not only uncomfortable, but also makes it harder to heat. During extreme cold, the relative humidity in your home can drop to as low as 5 percent. That’s a far cry from the optimal 30 to 50 percent. By installing a humidification system, you can easily maintain good humidity levels and improve your comfort level, health and energy savings.
Better health
Dry indoor air increases your risk of respiratory infections in two ways. First, it dries out the protective membranes in your nose and throat. Secondly, dry air supports bacteria and viruses. Microbes like pneumococcus and streptococcus live longer when the humidity falls below 20 percent. Low humidity can also worsen symptoms of skin conditions like eczema. A humidification system lets you raise humidity levels to a range that’s better for your respiratory and skin health.
Improved comfort
Dry air feels colder than moist air. A 10 percent change in relative humidity feels like a one-degree change in temperature. By maintaining optimal humidity in your home, you’ll feel warmer without even touching your thermostat. You also won’t have to put up with the dry nose, skin, eyes and lips that so often occur in over-heated homes.
More money saved
Because sufficiently humid air feels warmer, with a home humidifier, you’ll be able to keep your thermostat lower than you could without one. You stand to save up to 5 percent on your heating bills for every degree you lower your thermostat within the 70- to 60-degree range.
A humidifier can help your hardwood floors, wood furniture and other wood items last longer, too. When the air is excessively dry, it draws moisture out of wood, eventually causing it to crack and split. Maintaining good humidity levels is especially important if you have parquet floors or antique wood furniture you want to protect.
To pick up more expert tips on installing a humidification system and other home comfort issues, contact us at Mowery Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing. For more than 40 years, we’ve been providing the Indianapolis area with top-quality HVAC and plumbing services.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Brownsburg, Indiana and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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