8 Benefits of Running a Humidifier

Utah has a semi-arid desert climate with low humidity all year round. You may notice this dryness the most during the winter. After all, cold outdoor air can’t hold as much moisture as warm air, and your furnace saps the indoor air of any humidity it might have had. The best way to combat the discomfort of dry winter air is to run a humidifier. Here are eight benefits of installing a humidifier in your Utah home.

1. Lower the chances of getting sick: Increased humidity makes you less likely to catch the flu and other illnesses because microorganisms can’t travel as easily when more water vapor is in the air. Germs also tend to thrive in drier conditions.
2. Get well faster: If you do become ill, running a humidifier moistens your nasal passages, loosens congestion, and makes coughs more productive. As a result, your symptoms are less severe, and you get better faster.
3. Relieve asthma and allergy symptoms: Running a humidifier can soothe tissues in the nose and throat to relieve the sinus congestion, coughing, runny nose, and itchy throat associated with asthma and allergies. Just be careful to keep indoor humidity below 50 percent to prevent promoting dust mites and mold growth.
4. Reduce the discomfort of living in a dry environment: Dry air saps moisture from your skin, lips, hair, and eyes. While things like wearing lip balm, drinking water, applying lotion, and using eye drops can help, your body craves a more humid environment. Restore moisture by running a humidifier.
5. Alleviate snoring: A dry throat or mucus buildup can make snoring worse. If you’re tired of your partner keeping you awake at night, try running a humidifier to help you both sleep better.
6. Save on heating costs: Dry air feels colder than humid air because evaporation has a cooling effect. Saturating the air with water vapor increases home comfort by reducing how much moisture evaporates from your skin. As a result, you can turn down the thermostat by a degree or two without any discomfort, lowering your heating costs in the process.
7. Reduce static shock: Are you tired of your hair standing up, your clothes sticking to your body, and receiving a nasty shock every time you touch metal? Boost indoor humidity to reduce these problems.
8. Benefit your home: Wood floors and furniture last longer, wallpaper doesn’t crack, the piano stays in tune, and moisture-loving houseplants thrive when you run a humidifier. You’re also less likely to damage sensitive electronics with static shock when the humidity level is higher.

Ready to maximize the benefits of a humidifier? Turn to Parley’s PPM Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. We can install a whole-house steam humidifier in your Utah home, drawing on over 40 years of experience providing unparalleled customer service and quality HVAC installations. To request an estimate, please call 801-877-2184 if you live in Utah County, or reach us at 801-877-2536 if you’re a Salt Lake County resident. You can also contact us online.