Is the air in your home constantly dry and discomforting? Then there’s a solution—humidifiers.
These devices are perfect for any dry indoor environment and offer a variety of benefits. If you’re wondering if a humidifier is right for your home, here’s an overview of what they are, how to place them, and what kinds are available!
First, What Are Humidifiers?
A humidifier is a device that adds moisture to the air and offers relief from dry air that can cause breathing symptoms, dry skin, and discomfort in your home. By increasing indoor air moisture, these devices can help alleviate issues associated with low humidity, such as static electricity, dust mites, and cracked wooden furniture, while improving indoor air quality for families.
When Is it Best to Use Humidifiers?
- During winter, when air conditioning systems or heaters make dry indoor air more prevalent.
- As mentioned previously, humidifiers are beneficial if you experience symptoms like dry skin, irritated nasal passages, or worsening respiratory issues due to low humidity.
- When wooden furniture or flooring shows signs of splitting caused by exposure to dry air.
- To provide relief from cold air during colder months, which tends to reduce humidity levels indoors.
- When you notice increased static shock or activity from dust mites, which thrive in low-humidity conditions.
- For plants that need extra moisture in the air to stay healthy in indoor environments.
- If a baby’s nursery requires a more comfortable humidity balance.
Where Should You Place Humidifiers?
- In living rooms, central locations are ideal for spreading water vapor evenly.
- On flat, sturdy surfaces, at least three feet from the floor, to allow devices like ultrasonic humidifiers or evaporative humidifiers to disperse moisture to the air effectively.
- Away from electronics, outlets, or high-traffic areas to prevent water damage from accidental spills or water droplets.
- Near plants that benefit from added moisture but avoid placing them too close to steam humidifiers, which create steam that may cause overwatering.
- In bedrooms, keep portable humidifiers near sleeping areas but not directly next to beds to avoid overexposure to humidified air.
What Types of Humidifiers Are There?
- Cool Mist Humidifier: Dispenses cool water vapor into the air using ultrasonic and impeller humidifiers, which are known for their quiet operation.
- Warm Mist Humidifiers: Also called steam vaporizers, these heat water to create steam, offering cleaner mist while reducing harmful bacteria in the air.
- Ultrasonic Humidifiers: Use high-frequency vibrations to release fine mist, making them effective for dispersing moisture in the air.
- Impeller Humidifiers: Operate with a rotating disk to produce mist, which may leave fewer minerals in the air when distilled water is used instead of tap water.
- Evaporative Humidifiers: Utilize a fan to blow air across a wet wick, adding air moisture while preventing mineral buildup commonly found in other home humidifiers.
- Steam Humidifiers: Boil water to release steam vaporizer mist, offering warmth to rooms with cold air while improving indoor air quality.
- Central Humidifiers: Installed in air conditioning systems, these cover the entire home, balancing humidity levels seamlessly.
For Professional HVAC Services, Call Wendler Heating & Cooling
Need help maintaining your home’s indoor air quality? Reach out to Wendler Heating & Cooling!
Our team of technicians offer a variety of heating and cooling services in Conshohocken and the surrounding areas and are here to help your home stay safe and comfortable. Give us a call today to learn more about our family business and to schedule an appointment.