In the depths of winter, many of us spend our days wishing for drier weather. Unfortunately, dry air can also be problematic. Dry weather can not only trigger bushfires, it can make for an unhealthy and uncomfortable indoor atmosphere, which will compromise your relaxation time at home.
The Effects of Dry Air on the Body:
Dry air can have a number of detrimental effects on the body. The main potential health hazard is that dry air can trigger sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma or even nosebleeds. Additionally, it could exacerbate dehydration as fluid levels are further depleted during respiration.
Another effect of dry air is that the evaporation of skin moisture can cause itchy eyes and skin irritation. You may also feel colder since the “apparent temperature” for the air is lower than the indicator on your thermometer. Apparent temperature can mean a variation of up to 8ºf, which can be particularly noticeable if you enter the room after bathing.
Finally, a common, but unpleasant side effect of dry air is that that it can trigger irritative effects. These effects include static electricity, which means that you will experience a mild shock when you touch metal.
The Benefits of a Whole House Humidifier:
Fortunately, you can combat dry air with a humidifier. Although standalone units are available, a whole house humidifier provides a more viable option. The benefits of a whole house system include;
Decreased Static: Although most kids enjoy sliding their socks on a carpet to give their friends or siblings a shock, this soon grows pretty old. For most adults, getting a shock every time you touch a metal surface is a real irritation. While static shocks are not generally a health risk, there is the chance that the shock may cause you to suffer an accidental injury. For example, if you receive a shock which causes you to drop a heavy object, there is a risk that you may injure your foot.
Increased Comfort Level; While too much moisture in your indoor air can make us feel uncomfortable since we cannot adequately sweat, too little moisture can also make us feel uncomfortable. When the temperatures decline, the first instinct is to turn on the heating, but if the atmosphere inside your home is dry, you may not feel the benefit. This means that you are likely to crank up the temperature to feel warmer. By installing a whole house humidifier, it will allow you to set your heater temperature a little lower, which will help you to save energy and money.
Healthier Atmosphere; Finally, a whole house humidifier can provide you and your family with a healthier atmosphere inside your home. Dry air is not only associated with dry sinuses, but with increased cold and flu symptoms.
If you have noticed the effects of dry air inside your home, it is worth considering a whole house humidifier. A professional HVAC specialist will be able to advise you on incorporating a humidifier into your system so that you can enjoy a comfortable atmosphere and save energy throughout the year.