Humidifiers: the Unexpected Comfort Provider

August 26, 2015

While it may be hard to think about adding a humidifier to your Auburn and Opelika home while it’s still formally summer, now may be the best time to do so to assure you’re prepared for drier air this fall and winter. Even though 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 Auburn and Opelika 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 issues, from dry skin to a scratchy throat.

Having low humidity in your home can also mean higher static electricity, dry lips and hair, a scratchy nose and chapped lips to name a few. Dry air leads to a greater 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 can 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 might also have to deal with peeling wallpaper or gaps in your baseboards and other molding.

Of course, there’s no reason you can’t control the humidity levels in your home, making it that much more comfortable when you walk in the door. Plus, taking advantage of 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 dependent on the season, because humid air feels more comfortable. Those few degrees have the ability to make an impact on your energy bill each month as well, possibly saving you money throughout the year.

Indoor air quality isn’t specifically limited to ventilation, air filtration or air purification. Humidity plays a big role in our comfort, so why not make your air the most comfortable it can be. If you’re curious as to which indoor air quality product might be best for your home and budget, give the team at Farnell Mechanical, Inc. a call at 334-524-2458.