subject: Increasing Winter Humidity in Your Home Makes your Home Warmer [print this page] Major complaints of winter are dry skin, chapped lips and sore throats from the extremely dry air in your home. The air becomes dry because cold air holds far less moisture than warmer air does. Add to that the furnace heating which pulls even more moisture out the already very dry air. The result is cracked skin and a scratchy throat all winter.
The remedy can be as simple as setting out pans or pots of water throughout the house. You may not care for this remedy if your water is hard because the water will pit your pots and pans unless they are plastic. In addition, one must constantly refill the water containers. The water containers usually need to be replenished on a daily basis. In the southwest, twenty gallons of water evaporates into the air easily within twenty-four hours.
Another way to go is to purchase two or three portable humidifiers to put in the house. One portable humidifier in the bedroom quickly makes the scratchy throat go away literally overnight. Another humidifier in the family area of the house is usually the next best choice.
The disadvantage of portable humidifiers is that the water in them, too, must be frequently replenished. Again, if your water is hard, the wicks or distributors in portable humidifiers must be cleaned at least weekly to maintain their efficiency. Wicks and distributors must also be disinfected to insure that there is no fungal or bacterial growth in the humidifier.
Whole house humidification systems are truly the answer. All minerals in the water are filtered out before the water meets the distribution system. Filters are easily accessible and replaceable. Virtually all of the newer units have sensors to distribute water into the air only when needed and are able to keep the house humidity at a constant set level.
By adding moisture to the air in your home, you will feel warmer at lower temperatures. According to the EPA, you can save up to 4% on your heating bill for every degree you lower your thermostat. That's a lot. That means that if you lower your thermostat by only three degrees, you can save as much as 12% on your heating costs. The cost of a whole-house humidifier will be from $600 to $1600 depending on the model and installation costs. The price of your comfort? Only you can decide that.
Increasing Winter Humidity in Your Home Makes your Home Warmer
