Humidifiers: the Unexpected Comfort Provider

August 26, 2015

While it may be difficult to think about adding a humidifier to your Cambridge home while it’s still officially summer, now may be the perfect time to do so to ensure you’re prepared for drier air during the cooler months. Even though humidity isn’t usually thought of when considering indoor air quality, it should be.

Humidity plays a big role in our comfort. After all, think about the last time Cambridge had a day (or week…or month) of high humidity. That’s normally when you hear people saying, “It’s not the heat, it’s that darn humidity.” On the flip side of this, air that is too dry also comes with its own annoyances, from dry skin to a scratchy throat.

Having low humidity in your home can also mean increased static electricity, dry lips and hair, a scratchy nose and chapped lips to name a few. Dry air leads to a greater chance of your mucous membranes drying out, making it easier for you to catch a cold or develop a respiratory illness.

Your home could also be affected by the lack of a humidifier as well, as woodwork and furniture can experience splitting, separation or warping as a result of the lack of humidity. You might also have to deal with peeling wallpaper or gaps in your baseboards and other molding.

Of course, there’s no reason you can’t regulate the humidity levels in your home, making it that much more comfortable when you walk in the door. Plus, taking advantage of a humidifier has the ability to help you save energy and potentially decrease your air conditioner service costs.

Having controlled humidity also means you can have the thermostat set a few degrees warmer or cooler depending on the season, because humid air feels more comfortable. Those few degrees have the ability to make an impact on your energy bill every month as well, potentially saving you money throughout the year.

Indoor air quality isn’t strictly limited to ventilation, air filtration or air purification. Humidity plays a big role in our comfort, so why not make your air the most comfortable it can be. If you’re interested as to which indoor air quality product could be perfect for your home and budget, give the experts at Pliescott HVAC Services LLC a call at 410-228-4822.