Improve Your Health & Home This Spring with a Humidifier

Low humidity is one of the many benefits of living in the west.  Here in Colorado and Wyoming we enjoy pleasant summers, and winters free of damp, bone-chilling cold.  However, just as there are downsides to high humidity, there are also some concerns with low humidity.  The key is achieving and maintaining optimal humidity.

Ideal Humidity Levels

Humidity refers to the amount of water vapor in the air.  Too little moisture results in the all-too-familiar dry, chapped, itchy skin and irritated nasal passages. Dry air makes us more susceptible to viruses and bacteria, and can worsen symptoms of colds, flu and allergies.  Nose bleeds and snoring can also increase when humidity is too low. Lack of moisture creates static electricity and the annoying shocks that come with it.  On the other hand, too much humidity (above 50 percent) creates an environment where mold and dust mites flourish, contributing to allergies and respiratory problems.

Finding the right level for your comfort can take some trial and error.  Typically, somewhere between 40 and 48 percent will provide enough soothing moisture while still controlling mold and dust mites.

Humidifier Basics

In our dry climate, the best way to achieve the right humidity level is with a humidifier. Point-of-use humidifiers, which are portable and can humidify one room or several, are a popular option. Whole home humidifiers, however, offer several distinct advantages.

As part of your heating and cooling system, whole home humidifiers automatically maintain perfect humidity levels throughout your home, without the hassle of maintaining, cleaning and monitoring individual portable units.  Thanks to advanced technology, the whole home humidifier accurately measures the outside temperature and indoor humidity levels to provide just the right amount of relative humidity in your home. Different control options are available to best fit your needs.

Benefits of Using a Humidifier

Consider a whole home humidifier this spring and begin enjoying the many benefits to both you and your home:

• Reduce symptoms and duration of colds and allergies.
• Enjoy glowing, vibrant skin.
• Improve sleep and relief from snoring.
• Protect wood furnishings.
• Extend the life of your hard wood floors.
• Stay warmer at cooler temperatures and save energy.
• Keep houseplants healthier.
• Reduce static and electric shocks.

Still have indoor air quality questions? Contact your Rheem Pro Partner in Colorado or Wyoming today!