Static, dry air, bloody noses…oh my! Have you noticed more static electricity, uncomfortable dry skin and more frequent bloody noses during the heating season? Or maybe your beautiful wood floor develops gaps in the winter. These nuisances may seem like just a part of living in Des Moines during Iowa’s cold, dry months, but the good news is, there’s a solution: a whole-house humidifier. Aspen Aire Heating & Cooling is a locally-owned HVAC company specializing in improving indoor air quality, including proper humidification. Here we’ve outlined the benefits of a whole-home humidifier for Des Moines homeowners so you can decide if installing a whole-house humidifier is right for you.
What Is a Whole-Home Humidifier?
A whole-home humidifier is a fantastic solution for combating dry air throughout your entire house. Unlike those small, portable humidifiers that only work in a single room, a whole-home humidifier is connected to your home’s water supply and integrated directly with your HVAC system.
Whenever your furnace runs, the humidifier adds moisture to the air that is then circulated throughout your home through the ductwork. This creates a consistent and comfortable humidity level in every room, eliminating dry air problems like scratchy throats, dry skin, static electricity and even damage to wood furniture and floors.
Whole-home humidifiers are particularly beneficial for larger homes or for people with allergies or respiratory sensitivities, as they help to reduce dust, airborne viruses and other irritants that thrive in dry air.
Why Your Des Moines Home Needs a Whole-House Humidifier
Here’s how a whole-house humidifier can transform your home this winter:
- Breathe Easy: Dry air can irritate your sinuses and lungs, making you more susceptible to colds, the flu and other respiratory ailments. A whole-home humidifier adds moisture to the air, helping to alleviate these issues and promote easier breathing.
- Sleep Soundly: Do you wake up with a scratchy throat or stuffy nose? Proper humidity levels can improve sleep quality by keeping your nasal passages moist. It can even reduce snoring!
- Kiss Dry Skin Goodbye: Say goodbye to itchy skin, chapped lips and annoying static shocks. A whole-home humidifier distributes moist air throughout your house so you feel more comfortable.
- Protect Your Home: Dry air can wreak havoc on your home, causing wood furniture and floors to crack and shrink. A humidifier helps maintain the proper humidity level in your home, protecting your valuable belongings.
- Save on Energy Bills: Believe it or not, humidified air feels warmer than dry air. This means you can potentially lower your thermostat a degree or two and still feel comfortable, saving you money on your heating bills.
Choosing the Right Humidifier for Your Home
There are several types of whole-house humidifiers to consider, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:
Bypass Humidifiers
These are the most common and affordable type of whole-home humidifier. They work by diverting a small amount of warm air from your furnace through a water panel, where it picks up moisture before being circulated back into your home. Bypass humidifiers are relatively easy to install but may not be as efficient as other types, especially in larger homes.
Fan-Powered Humidifiers
These humidifiers use a fan to force air through the water panel, increasing evaporation and providing more humidification output. They are more efficient than bypass humidifiers and can handle larger homes with ease. The AprilAire 720 Evaporative Humidifier is an excellent example of a high-capacity, fan-powered humidifier.
Steam Humidifiers
These humidifiers boil water to create steam, which is then added to the air. They offer the highest output and can quickly raise humidity levels, making them a good choice for very dry climates or homes with significant humidity issues. However, they are also the most expensive type of humidifier to operate.
Drum Humidifiers
These use a rotating drum to pass air through a water reservoir. They are generally more energy-efficient than steam humidifiers but may require more frequent maintenance.
The best humidifier choice for your Des Moines home will depend on factors such as the size of your house, your desired humidity levels and your budget. In addition to the type of humidifier, you’ll also want to consider factors like capacity (how much moisture it can add to the air), features (such as automatic humidity control and built-in humidistats), and ease of maintenance. Aspen Aire Heating and Cooling can help you assess your needs and recommend the ideal whole-home humidifier for your Des Moines home.
Aspen Aire Is Your Des Moines Humidifier Experts
At Aspen Aire Heating and Cooling, we’re experts in whole-house humidifier installation and maintenance. If you’re ready to experience the benefits of a whole-home humidifier, contact us today for a free consultation. Our HVAC technicians will answer your questions and help you create a more comfortable and healthy home environment this winter.