What Are Humidifiers?
Humidifiers are great for a home that is too dry. Humidifiers increase moisture and are commonly used during winter months when the air is dry. There are two main types of humidifiers: warm mist and cool mist.
- Warm Mist
Warm mist humidifiers work by boiling water and releasing steam throughout the air.
- Cool Mist
Cool mist humidifiers use a fan or rotating disc to evaporate the water and bring it out to the air.
Humidifiers keep your skin from drying out and are extremely effective at controlling allergies and nasal congestion. Humidifiers must be cleaned regularly to prevent mold growth. Your body tends to experience discomfort and even severe damage when the surrounding air gets too dry and moisture-free. The skin suffers first, and soon respiratory-related issues start to arise. The top signs you may need a humidifier in your home include:
- Itchy, dry skin
- Dry, bloody noses
- Sore throats and dry mouth
- Colds and coughs
- Chapped lips
- Static electricity
- Cracks in your home
When using a humidifier it is important to use distilled water and to dump any extra water out of the humidifier when you are done using it. Most models feature warm or cold moisturizing settings which make them ideal for periods when the cold night replaces the hot day. The great thing about them is that you can leave them always on and they require only occasional maintenance that is easy to achieve on your own.
Because moist air feels warmer, you can actually lower your temperature by several degrees and feel comfortable. This is because your body is designed to cool itself by sweating. When the moisture on the skin evaporates, it makes you feel cooler. So when the air is full of moisture, the sweat on our skin does not evaporate, so we feel warmer. So besides all the other benefits, you can actually save money on energy bills as well.
What Are Dehumidifiers?
Dehumidifiers are great at decreasing the moisture in the air. They are commonly used during the summer months when the air is warm and humid. The two most popular types of dehumidifiers: refrigerative and desiccant.
- Refrigerative
A refrigerant dehumidifier uses much the same process as your fridge at home. The refrigeration process cools a metal plate on to which moisture from the air condenses. A fan constantly draws the room air through the dehumidifier and over the cool metal plate(s) and all the time more and more of the moisture condenses onto the plate and drips into the dehumidifiers water tank.
- Desiccant
Desiccant dehumidifiers absorb water from the air using a desiccant. During the rotation cycle, a proportion of the wheel is passing through a stream of warm air which “reactivates” the desiccant by driving off the moisture. This condensed water is then collected in the dehumidifiers collection tank or automatically drained out via a tube from the back of the unit to the outside.
High humidity can trigger allergic reactions, contribute to ongoing allergies, and dust mite problems. Humidity levels above 50 percent can breed dust mites, mildew, and mold, triggering allergies or other health problems. High humidity makes it easier for molds to reproduce, and they can appear virtually anywhere, damaging whatever they grow upon.
Dehumidifiers help control the level of moisture in the air. Most people feel comfortable when the relative humidity in their home is between 35 percent and 50 percent.
Humidifier vs Dehumidifier: Which One Is Right For Your Home?
There are many factors that go into whether you need a humidifier or a dehumidifier for your home. One of the biggest factors is the location of your home. Depending on where you live, or even depending on the time of year, your home will often be too dry or too humid. If you notice your skin is dryer or you are experiencing dry skin or allergies, you may need a humidifier in your home. If you are experiencing significant moisture levels in your home, then a dehumidifier is right for your home.
Having both a humidifier and a dehumidifier makes for an excellent balance of keeping your household in the best possible living conditions. They will also prevent you from experiencing health issues, which is even more important.
What To Do Next
Personal health must be a top priority for anyone during these trying times. Is your home equipped with the right appliances to ensure you can safely last in your home? If you are finding your home is either too humid or too dry, do not hesitate to call a trusted HVAC professional to help you find the humidifier or dehumidifier is right for you and your home. It doesn’t matter if you live in a place where either blazing sun or freezing temperatures dominate the environment. You can balance out your home space and make it more pleasant no matter the outside weather conditions.
Conclusion
When considering all of the available options for your home’s humidifier or dehumidifier, it is important to speak with a trusted professional. Home Comfort Experts offers fast and reliable humidifier repair, replacement, and installation services in Indiana. Contact the heating and cooling professionals at Home Comfort Experts today to learn about the ways we can help you. We serve Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan from our 12 locations. Give us a call at (574) 255-4600 to learn about our full complement of heating, cooling and plumbing services.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]