While it may be hard to think about adding a humidifier to your Newton home while it’s still officially summer, now may be the ideal time to do so to assure you’re prepared for drier air this fall and winter. Although humidity isn’t usually thought of when considering indoor air quality, it should be.
Humidity plays a critical role in our comfort. After all, recall the last time Newton 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 an increased chance of your mucous membranes drying out, making it easier for you to end up with a cold or develop a respiratory illness.
Your home may also be affected by the lack of a humidifier as well, as woodwork and furniture can end up with splitting, separation or warping as a result of the lack of humidity. You may also notice 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, using a humidifier has the ability to help you save energy and potentially lower your air conditioner service costs.
Having control over your humidity also means you can have the thermostat set a few degrees warmer or cooler based on the season, because humid air feels more comfortable. Those few degrees could make an impact on your energy bill every month as well, possibly saving you money throughout the year.
Indoor air quality isn’t strictly limited to ventilation, air filtration or air purification. Humidity plays a large 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 may be ideal for your home and budget, give the pros at Brookwood Inc a call at 641-316-9803.