A Whole-House Humidifier Keeps the Doctor Away

In the colder months, most people notice that the air inside their homes seems dryer. Many people blame it on the chilly weather, but the culprit is actually a combination of lower humidity outside plus indoor heating. Because cold air has less capacity to hold moisture than warm air does, as outdoor temperatures drop, humidity levels drop as well. Add to that the fact that furnaces keep us toasty in the winter, but they also dry out the air. How do you know if your home has low humidity levels? By the telltale static shock. If you’re experiencing static shock, your home is lacking humidity. That’s a problem because your health is more dependent on humidity than you think.

Winter Packs a Double Punch

Colds and viruses are most common in the winter months, but not because the germs love the cold. Germs survive longer in low humidity conditions, so they have longer to spread between people. Low humidity also dries out the mucous membranes in your nose and throat, which would usually catch germs before they can cause trouble. Compromised by low humidity, these membranes can’t perform their function, and you’re left vulnerable to any virus that comes along. Dry air can also cause irritations like coughs, sore throats, and dry eyes.

Dry Itchy Skin Is a Sign of Low Humidity

Most people notice that their skin dries out in the winter, getting tight and itchy from the lack of humidity. If anyone in your household has skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, or dry skin, dry air can cause the issue to get much worse. If your skin dries out enough, it may crack and bleed, which can lead to infection. With eczema or other skin conditions, scratching may open the skin.

Whole-House Humidifiers Add Humidity Automatically

All of these problems can be helped simply by adding humidity to your home. A whole-house humidifier system can replace the humidity that heating removes, making you and your family much more comfortable. As an added bonus, because humid air feels warmer than dry air, you can lower your thermostat a couple of degrees and save money without sacrificing comfort.

Get the Right Humidity Level All Winter Long

A whole-house humidifier is easy to use and practically maintenance free. Once installed, it automatically introduces the right amount of moisture into the air according to your settings. You almost never have to think about it, apart from changing the filter about once a year. This one-time purchase can save you money on your energy bills and keep you out of the doctor’s office for years to come, but most importantly, it will make everyone more comfortable. It’s a great investment in your home and your family’s health.

Getzschman Heating and Air Conditioning has been providing heating and cooling services to the Omaha area for over 50 years, and we’d like to help you save money and feel better in the cold winter months. If you’d like a whole-house humidifier installed, please give us a call at (402) 554-1110 or contact us online.