You probably already know you have a problem with your indoor humidity. Either the air is unpleasantly dry and full of static, or it’s muggy and damp. Fortunately, there are solutions available. A humidifier or dehumidifier will work to adjust the relative humidity inside your home.
The difference is that humidifiers increase humidity while dehumidifiers decrease moisture levels. Now, you may be wondering, “Humidifier vs dehumidifier, which to choose?”. Read on to find out.
What Is The Best Level Of Humidity At Home?
First of all, let’s discuss the best humidity level at home. Indoors, your relative humidity should be in the range of 30 to 55 percent, ideally between 35 and 50 percent. (From December to March, it should be toward the lower end of the scale so that your windows don’t get covered with condensation.) This will optimize your home comfort and prevent damage from overly dry or moist indoor conditions.
If you’d like to measure your home’s indoor humidity, use a smartphone app or a tool called a hygrometer.
What’s The Difference Between Humidifiers And Dehumidifiers?
Humidifiers add humidity when your inside air is overly dry, which occurs most frequently in winter when using indoor heating. You may have experience using a portable humidifier in the room of a family member who’s not feeling well. According to one study, adding steam to the air will help soothe a dry cough, sore throat or irritated breathing, and it might even help prevent COVID. A whole-home humidifier has a similar effect, just on a larger scale.
Dehumidifiers remove excessive humidity from the air, most often in summer. Therefore, they are helpful in moist conditions — for example, in damp, muggy Vaughan summer weather. They do such a great job of reducing the indoor relative humidity, which makes us feel extra hot and bothered that you can raise your air conditioner temperature a few degrees without sacrificing comfort. That’s a great way to save money on electricity!
Signs You Need A Whole-Home Humidifier
Health Issues
Do you have nagging cold or allergy symptoms, or asthma that won’t give you a break? The reason could be low indoor humidity which leaves your mucous membranes dry and vulnerable to respiratory illness. You can improve your air quality, and your health, with a humidifier.
Heavy Furnace Use
In especially cold weather, you’ll tend to use your furnace more than usual, meaning that your air is dry. This will keep your family nice and warm, but the forced-air heating will dry out the air inside your home.
Skin And Hair Dryness
Lustreless, dry skin and hair or constantly chapped lips are good clues the air in your home is simply most moist enough, and you might need a humidifier.
Dry Wood Floors and Furniture
Lack of moisture is just as unhealthy for your fine wood furnishings and floors as it is for your body. The dryness can cause warping or other permanent damage.
Static Electricity
If your clothes cling to you (not in a good way) or you get a shock when you touch people or objects indoors, those are signs you have a buildup of static electricity. But, once again, indoor dry air is the cause.
Signs You Need A Whole-Home Dehumidifier
Health Issues
Moisture from the air can cause a range of health symptoms, similar to dry air. If you find yourself sneezing, coughing, or affected by other breathing problems — especially if you suffer from respiratory allergies or asthma — very humid air might be to blame.
Unpleasant Smell
A damp, humid house often has an unpleasant odour. If your home smells musty or acrid, no matter how much you clean, there is probably too much humid air.
Mildew Or Mould
Splotches of mold and mildew appearing on your walls should be a wake-up call. Your indoor air is too damp, and you need to do something about it… fast. And it gets worse — the same humid conditions that encourage mold are also very attractive to dust mites and insect pests.
Moisture in the Air
When the indoor humidity level is too high, you feel it. In the winter months, the air seems cold and clammy; too much moisture makes it hot and sticky in the summer months. And it’s just plain uncomfortable to live in all year round.
Healthy Humidity Levels For Your Whole Home
When your indoor humidity is out of balance, you need a reliable solution for your comfort and health. Husky offers top-brand whole-home dehumidifiers and humidifiers, including Lennox and Carrier, in the GTA and surrounding areas.
Talk to us about which is right for you.
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