Humidification is the process of adding moisture to the air and it is one of the most important aspects of total indoor comfort. People tend to associate humidity with the discomfort of hot, steamy summer days and it is true that too much humidity can cause problems. However, properly controlled humidity offers many proven benefits to your health, home and comfort. The reduction of humidity is especially prevalent during the winter heating season. This is because the relative humidity (RH) of the cold, outdoor air drops significantly when it is brought into your home and heated. Humidity control is a primary issue associated with forced hot air systems (furnaces).
The reduction of relative humidity causes dry air which can create health implications. Physicians and other experts often recommend humidity control to prevent the damaging effects of dry air caused by low relative humidity. Low humidity can increase your likelihood of getting colds, flu and other upper respiratory ailments. Viruses that cause colds and flu thrive in low humidity. And, according to The American Society of Otolaryngology, dry air can make people more susceptible to infection. In addition, drier air can aggravate allergy and asthma symptoms.
Furthermore, a reduction of relative humidity can cause home damage. Walls, woodwork, and your beautiful hardwood floors can shrink which can cause them to crack. Electronics can fall victim to static electric charges, requiring expensive repair or replacement. Low humidity can also cause higher energy costs. Low humidity can make you feel too cold at normal temperatures leading you to turn up the thermostat. This leads to higher energy bills.
Beyond the damage low humidity causes, it makes you uncomfortable. It can cause:
- Bloody noses
- Dry mouth and dry, itchy eyes
- Sore throats
- Cracked, itchy skin
- Painful static shocks
If you have a furnace or forced hot air system call A.J. LeBlanc Heating for all of your humidity control needs. Whole house humidifiers provide peace of mind. With whole house humidification there is no need to fill and empty your humidifier. Whole house humidifiers also provide comfort to every room rather than point-of-use or plug-in humidifiers which only humidify one room. A.J. LeBlanc Heating services and installs all types of residential forced hot air humidifiers and whole house humidifiers.