subject: Proper Humidification Adds To Home Comfort [print this page] With the fall approaching, you may notice that the air is a little drier. This dry air can make your skin feel dry and tight, and it can cause other health problems such as headaches and fatigue. If you do not have proper humidification of your home, you could have too little or too much moisture in the air. Both conditions cause its own set of problems, not only for your home but also your health. If you notice that your skin or mucus membranes feel dry, you may want to think about getting a humidifier. You can get a single-room model or add a home humidifier to your HVAC system.
HOW IT WORKS AND WHAT IT DOES
Humidifiers are not overly complicated. They work by passing air through a constantly-damp filter or sponge. A humidifier added to your home HVAC system delivers moistened air through your home's ductwork to distribute throughout your home. There are several types of humidifiers available. Steam humidifiers uses steam instead of a damp filter. The steam is blown through the ductwork every time the sensor detects the moisture level drop. Most small humidifiers for single-room use steam.
Spray mist humidifiers do not use a filter, but will spray a fine mist of water directly into the ductwork that carries it through the home. A flow-through humidifier uses blower fan to blow water through the ducts that is absorbed from a pad. Wicking humidifiers works by placing water in a receptacle and it wicked by a filter. The water is then blown through the ductwork by a blower fan.
THE CARE AND MAINTENANCE REQUIRED
Humidifiers need to be consistently and regularly maintained because it uses water. You should follow the maintenance schedule that is recommended by the manufacturer or your contractor. Regular maintenance should include a thorough visual inspection of the water supply line, drain line, shutoff valves, and the floor and area immediately surrounding the unit. Check for leaks and worn or damaged parts. Make sure that the area underneath and surrounding the unit is dry.
You should also vigilantly check for mold and mildew and keep the unit clean. Mold and mildew are health hazards and can cause a variety of respiratory problems and trigger asthma attacks. Keep the unit clean and make any necessary repairs. Even though you may be including duct cleaning as part of your regular fall maintenance checklist, it is even more important to do so with a humidifier because water can accumulate in the ductwork and cause mold and mildew to grow and can cause rust to form.
THE IMPORTANCE OF HUMIDIFICATION
Humidification is very important to your home and your health. Air that is too dry can cause increased headaches, nosebleeds, dry skin, and sore throats. It can cause increased asthma attacks and bronchitis flare-ups. It can also compromise your immune system and make you more vulnerable to germs, bacteria, and viruses. If the air is too humid, it can cause the wood doors, trim, floors, and furniture to warp and stretch. If the air is too dry, it can cause the wood to dry and crack. Humidification will also help you lower energy costs.
Air that is too dry in the winter will not allow you to warm up easily, causing you to crank up the heat. Most homeowner's insurance policies will automatically cover humidifiers, so you should check with your insurance agent to determine that if you qualify. You may even qualify for tax credits, deductions, and exemptions, so check with your tax professional for details. Your contractor will be able to answer any questions about the proper level of humidification for your home and recommend the right system for you.
