Why Is Dry Air Such a Serious Concern?

sitting-by-the-fireBecause Vermont winters can be so cold and snowy, some homeowners think only of their heating systems when it comes to living comfortably during the winter season. While your heater is obviously incredibly important to your overall comfort — and even to your safety — temperature control is not the only factor to consider. You should also keep the humidity level in your home in mind. Chances are that it is lower than it should be these days.

Cold air does not retain moisture the way that warm air does. Because of this, we start off with less humidity in the air during the winter months than we do when it is warm out. While your heater won’t actively dry out the air the way that your air conditioner can, you are already working at a deficit. Failure to add more moisture to the air as needed can have a number of negative consequences. This is why you may choose to use a whole-house humidifier in Ludlow, VT.

Can Low Humidity Levels Really Cause Problems?

Yes, of course they can! In fact, chances are that you’ve already encountered some of these problems in your life. You just may not have connected the dots between them and humidity levels. When you stop to consider the symptoms of low humidity, however, they may very well look familiar.

  • Dry, itchy skin. This is one of the most common signs that you are surrounded by air with insufficient humidity. If your skin starts to dry out, as it will in very dry conditions, it can start to crack and split. That is painful. Your skin can also get very itchy. By adding humidity to the air, you can resolve and/or avoid such issues.
  • Sore throats and bloody noses. These are very common in very dry conditions. Your nasal and throat passages will dry out if the air is too dry. That can lead to painful sore throats and can even increase the risk of illness, as your body’s first line of defense against germs is compromised.
  • Property damage can actually result from very dry air as well. Floorboards may begin to split, increased instances of static shock can put your sensitive electronics at risk, and paint can chip while wallpaper cracks. Again, the most effective way in which to balance humidity in your home is with a whole-house system.

Let Us Install Your Whole-House Humidifier

Portable humidifier units may seem enticing thanks to the fact that you can just go out to the hardware store and pick one up for yourself. However, they are far less convenient, effective, and efficient than whole-house models are. If you are using a portable humidifier, you could actually over humidify the air. You will have to move that system around, or by multiple units. And, you’ll also drain a lot of energy. Let us integrate a humidifier into your existing HVAC system. That way you can go out and enjoy the community this winter, while coming home to a comfortable, healthful environment.

Call HB Energy Solutions for all your energy needs. HB Energy Solutions delivers peace of mind.

 

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