Thursday, June 18, 2015

Do you need a whole home humidifier?



Dry air is a common source of discomfort at home, and can often cause respiratory problems and increased allergy symptoms. Portable humidifiers may help to keep specific rooms adjusted to the right humidity, but a whole home option works best for the entire living space.

Here are some benefits of installing a whole home humidifier to help make an informed decision before purchasing your unit:

Less work
Small, portable units generally need regular cleaning and constant refilling of water – a tedious task that can be avoided with a whole home humidifier (which only needs to be cleaned once or twice a year). In general, a whole home unit is an install-it-and-forget-it item. It’s integrated into the blower system on your furnace, drawing water directly from your water supply.
Black and Decker Ultrasonic Table Top Humidifier

Increased home value
Naturally, potential home-buyers will place value on a property that is equipped with an up-to-date Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system and a whole home humidifier can only increase that value. Additionally, a humidifier will provide the right amount of moisture to prevent damage to wood floors, fixtures and furniture resulting from air that is too dry.

Improved Indoor Air Quality 
A whole-house unit monitors the humidity level, adding moisture only when it is needed and limiting the level of humidity to the setting you select. Many room units do not have regulators to stop the humidification process when the proper humidity level has been reached. Too much humidity can increase mold, mildew and dust mites. Whole home humidifiers will prevent dry and itchy skin, eyes and nasal passages, thereby increasing your family’s comfort at home. They can also decrease the likelihood of catching viruses that thrive in low-humidity environments, like the flu, colds and other respiratory ailments.

Lower energy and operating costs
Room humidifiers need expensive distilled water to operate at maximum efficiency. A whole home humidifier is integrated into your household water system, so you never need to purchase special water. The initial cost of a whole home unit is a fraction of what most portable units cost, and are very inexpensive to operate year after year.

Installing a whole home humidifier will also increase your energy efficiency. Moist air feels warmer than dry air, meaning you can keep your thermostat at a lower level on chilly nights. It’s estimated that you could potentially save up to 4% on the heating bill for every degree you lower your thermostat.

Content from http://blog.reliancehomecomfort.com/2015/06/02/do-i-need-a-whole-home-humidifier/?utm_source=Home+Comfort+Corner+Newsletter&utm_campaign=657d4ae685-HCC+20150618&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_d1165fd9d6-657d4ae685-417324009