HVAC professionals believe that the best level of humidity in a home is between 40 and 50% during warmer days and between 30 and 40% on cooler nights. These levels support not only comfort but also the health of the members of the household. Proper humidity helps prevent mold, keeps wooden furniture supple and represses dust mites. Though you can buy portable humidifiers for your home, you can also install a whole-house humidifier as part of your HVAC system. While it can be pricey, a whole-house system is what many professionals recommend, largely because of its cost benefits.
Humidity Control Lowers Your Energy Bills
You might be surprised to learn that air that holds the right amount of humidity saves you money when it comes to your energy bills. Humidified air holds on to heat more efficiently, so your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to warm your home in winter. A whole-house humidifier can also help with energy costs during the summer as a central AC can sometimes remove too much humidity from the indoor air. A humidifier can compensate for this by returning the right amount of moisture to the air without raising costs. Whole-house humidifiers also save money because they’re part of your overall HVAC system. You won’t need to move portable humidifiers from room to room.
The Right Humidity Prevents Illness
The right level of humidity can also prevent illnesses, especially those that affect the respiratory system. Dry air lets tiny pathogens such as viruses and pollen linger in the air longer. This makes them easier to breathe in and causes allergic reactions and illnesses such as asthma. A good level of humidity also keeps your respiratory system moist. This helps reduce issues such as sore throats, stuffy noses, dry sinuses and nighttime breathing discomfort. You can avoid both having to buy medications to alleviate these problems and trips to the doctor.
The Right Humidity Level Protects Your Home
Dry air famously attacks wood. This can mean damage to your tables, chairs and other parts of your house such as wooden paneling, staircases, doors, floors and window frames. When wood cracks or warps because it dries out, you may need to repair or replace it. This can cost a lot of money. A whole-house humidifier can not only save you money when it comes to your wooden furnishings but can also help your furnishings last long enough to be passed down as heirlooms.
The right humidity can be the sweet spot between a home whose air feels muggy and a home whose air is uncomfortably dry. To learn the benefits of humidifiers, dehumidifiers and humidity control, don’t hesitate to call our HVAC professionals at Whipple Service Champions of Salt Lake City, Utah.
