Does Your Home Need a Humidifier?

We tend to focus a lot on temperature, and not as much on humidity, when we think about our comfort in our homes. This is especially true in the winter in Wisconsin, when we’re really just worried about staying warm enough. However, you’d be cozier if your humidity was better and there are other benefits, too. Does your home need a humidifier? Let’s go over the benefits of whole house humidifier installation in Milton, WI.

Feeling Chilly, Raising the Thermostat

Do you still feel chilled to the bone sometimes, even though you’re sure the current temperature of your home would feel perfectly warm enough on a spring day? Have you worried about raising your thermostat and paying more for heat to avoid feeling too cold around the house? The fact is, dry air feels colder than air with some water vapor in it.

People sometimes complain during the summer that the humidity makes them feel hotter, and it’s true. The moisture in the air does a much better job of carrying and conducting heat than the air itself. That means that with proper humidity levels in your home, you could feel perfectly cozy during the winter with your thermostat set a few degrees lower. This will save you money on energy, and decrease wear and tear on your heating system!

Ideal Humidity Levels

Your home’s humidity will be ideal for the winter if it is kept between 30 and 50%. Any higher, and you might develop condensation inside your windows, and risk having mold grow on your windowsills. Any lower, and you would feel chilled, and suffer other consequences of very dry air. So how can you keep your home at this perfect level?

While a small, portable humidifier unit might be great in a very small space, it won’t do enough for all the air throughout a house, and the controls don’t tend to be very precise. A whole house humidifier is professionally installed, connects to the ducts of your HVAC system, and offers precision control and monitoring of your home’s indoor humidity control system.

Additional Benefits

What else could be better with the right amount of water vapor in your air this winter? So many things! Dry air causes skin to be chapped and dry, hair to be crackly and brittle, and static shocks to be much more common around the house. Better moisture levels will keep your body healthier and more comfortable.

And that’s not all. Excessive dryness isn’t good for your home itself, either. Anything made of wood suffers when there’s not enough moisture in the air. This includes the structure of your home, your furniture, art, and other items, and even musical instruments! Drying can lead to cracks in wood and costly damage, which a humidifier could prevent. In addition to humidity control, other home air quality systems like energy recovery ventilators can further protect your home and comfort by improving air circulation and efficiency.

We can help you calculate the size of the system you’ll need for your home’s square footage and layout and provide you with a wide range of humidifier options, so you can choose the perfect fit for your lifestyle and your budget. If you’re also concerned about invisible threats, consider scheduling a professional radon testing service to ensure your home’s air is safe and healthy. Reach out to us today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Why does winter air feel colder even when the thermostat is set correctly?
Answer: Dry winter air lacks moisture, making it feel colder than it actually is. With proper humidity, heat is retained more effectively, helping you feel warmer at lower temperatures. This means you can reduce thermostat settings and save on energy bills without sacrificing comfort.

Question: What is the ideal humidity level for a home in winter?
Answer: A comfortable and healthy indoor humidity level in winter is between 30% and 50%. Below 30% causes dryness and discomfort, while above 50% risks condensation and mold. A whole house humidifier helps maintain this balance more reliably than portable units.

Question: How does a whole house humidifier work?
Answer: Whole house humidifiers connect to your HVAC system and add moisture directly into the airflow. They distribute humidity evenly throughout your home and offer precise controls, unlike portable units that only affect small areas and often lack accurate settings.

Question: What are the health and comfort benefits of using a humidifier?
Answer: A humidifier can reduce dry skin, brittle hair, and static shocks, while also helping you breathe more comfortably. It supports overall health during winter by easing respiratory symptoms and keeping your body and skin hydrated in dry indoor conditions.

Question: Can dry air damage your home?
Answer: Yes, dry air can cause wood to crack, damaging floors, furniture, instruments, and even the home’s structure. Maintaining optimal humidity with a humidifier helps preserve your belongings and the integrity of your house, reducing the risk of costly repairs.

You can always count on 24-Hour Home Comfort Services, your heating and cooling specialists.