The Importance of Running a Humidifier in the Winter

The air is naturally drier in the winter because cold air can’t hold as much moisture as warm air. This means your Utah home is probably well below the recommended comfort zone of 30 to 45 percent relative humidity for about half the year. Fortunately, there’s an easy fix—install a whole-house humidifier! Here’s why it’s important to run a humidifier in the winter.

Improve Your Health

Dry air encourages the spread of bacteria and viruses, which can travel through the air with greater ease when not hampered by water vapor. Therefore, increasing the humidity level helps slow the spread of illnesses. And if you do get sick, the added moisture in your nasal passages and sinus cavity can lessen your symptoms and help you recover faster.

Boost Home Comfort

Dry air can cause itchy skin, chapped lips, sore throats, and nose bleeds. Drinking water, applying lotion, and wearing lip balm can help, but your body craves a more humid environment to thrive. That’s why running a whole-house humidifier is the best way to make you feel more comfortable.

Help Prevent Snoring

Anyone who sleeps with their mouth open will find it impossible not to snore if the air is dry. Running a winter humidifier soothes and moistens the tissues at the back of the throat to minimize snoring and prevent a sore throat upon waking.

Increase Furnace Efficiency

Humid air feels warmer than dry air because less moisture evaporates from your skin when the air is already saturated. This means you can turn down the thermostat by a degree or two while the humidifier is running without feeling any less comfortable. Since a whole-house humidifier costs pennies a month to operate, the lower temperature setting effectively conserves energy and saves money.

Preserve Your Belongings

Humans aren’t the only things susceptible to the effects of dry winter air. Certain belongings in your home—such as wood floors, plaster walls, furniture, artwork, and musical instruments—can also suffer ill effects from low humidity. Preserve these belongings and prevent paying for repairs or replacements by keeping humidity at the proper level.

Minimize Static Shock

There’s nothing pleasant about static shock in the winter. It makes your clothes stick to your body and your hair stand on end. It delivers a painful jolt when you touch anything metal and threatens to damage your sensitive electronics. Fortunately, a little extra moisture in the air goes a long way toward preventing these problems with static shock.

Installing a whole-house humidifier is the best way to maximize these humidifier benefits. Turn to Parley’s PPM Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for help making the upgrade. We opened our doors over 40 years ago, beginning a tradition of unparalleled customer service and quality HVAC repairs and installation. We’re dedicated to your satisfaction and strive to do it right the first time. Call us at 801-877-2184 for Utah County residents or 801-877-2536 if you live in Draper or Sandy. You can also contact us online with any questions you have.