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Humidifiers & dehumidifiers have numerous advantages that help keep your home and family healthy.
Studies have shown that keeping humidity levels in your home between 30 and 50 percent has certain health benefits. When the humidity is below 30%, you may experience chapped lips and itchy skin. On the other hand, when the humidity levels exceed 50%, bacteria, mold spores and dust mites grow which can trigger allergies and asthma.
Balancing humidity is often a challenge, especially in extreme weather conditions that bring extra moisture or dry heat. You can use a humidifier to increase the humidity levels in your house and a dehumidifier to take moisture out of the air. Consider purchasing a hygrometer or calling an HVAC professional to check the humidity levels of your home in order to determine whether you need to use a humidifier or a dehumidifier.
Health benefits from a humidifier
1. Keep your skin soft and vibrant
If you struggle with dry, chapped or cracked skin, increasing the level of moisture in the cold and dry air of your home can add some life back into it. Dry air drains moisture from your skin and can cause numerous problems including dullness, dryness, wrinkles and flaking. Installing a humidifier can help to alleviate these symptoms.
2. Protect your voice
When you wake up in the morning with a cracking voice, this simply means that your vocal cords have been exposed to dry air. A humidifier can rehydrate them, especially at night while sleeping. Keeping your vocal cords lubricated will not only help you get your voice back if you’ve lost it but also help to maintain it.
3. Prevent nosebleeds and sinus congestion
Dry nasal passages often cause nosebleeds, especially during the winter season. Humidifiers help keep your nasal passages moisturized, which can prevent frequent nosebleeds and keep your sinuses healthy. Bacteria and viruses cannot travel through your sinuses and throat as easily in a moist environment, so a humidifier can also keep you from getting sick and help you get over a cold faster.
Health benefits from a dehumidifier
1. Prevent mildew and mold growth
Condensation and high humidity levels in your home encourage the growth of mold, mildew and dust mites. These allergens can cause you to struggle with symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, skin rashes and difficulty breathing.
Allergy & Air explains, “Mold allergies are also a significant contributor to childhood asthma, which can be a debilitating and costly disease for children who develop it at a young age.”
2. Protect your furniture
Excess moisture in your house can eventually cause your furniture and other upholstery to harbor mildew. With a dehumidifier, you can reduce the risk of mold growth on your couches, bedding and other furniture.
Note: If you have woodwork and antique furniture, be careful not to leave the air too dry because this can cause warping or cracking.
3. Lower energy costs
A dehumidifier helps your A/C run more efficiently and lowers your energy costs. Instead of the A/C working hard to remove the moisture before it can begin to cool, the dehumidifier completes this step and ultimately extends the life of your air conditioner.
For you to make the right decision on whether to purchase a humidifier or a dehumidifier, it’s important to talk to a skilled HVAC technician about your concerns and needs. For those who live in the Houston area, Richmond’s Air is here for you! Contact us anytime.
To read more on the difference between these two appliances, check out this article: Humidifier vs. Dehumidifier: Which One Do I Need?
