Despite focusing on ventilation and filtration, many homes tend to overlook the importance of humidity in maintaining clean air. A whole-home humidifier can greatly contribute to better indoor air quality by controlling the relative humidity inside the whole house.
How They Work: Weighing Down Particles
Humidifiers designed for use throughout a whole house clean the air that circulates in your HVAC system by introducing moisture. Particles in the air become too heavy to stay in the air due to the increasing humidity, which weighs them down. When these particles fall to the bottom, your HVAC filters can remove them more easily. By reducing the number of toxins floating in your indoor air, this method significantly improves the overall air quality.
Reducing Static Electricity
The elimination of static electricity has the clear advantage of keeping relative humidity levels where they should be. Dry air makes it easier for static charges to build up, which can be annoying and even harmful to electronics. A whole-home humidifier can make your home more pleasant and safe by adding moisture to the air, which helps neutralize static electrical charges.
Decreasing Dust and Allergens
Dry conditions are ideal for the growth of dust and allergens, which then become airborne and easy to breathe in. A humidifier can reverse dry conditions, helping to decrease the amount of allergens and dust in the air. When used regularly, this can significantly alleviate the symptoms of allergies and respiratory problems, making life much easier for those who suffer from them.
Reducing the Spread of Airborne Viruses
Dry air is ideal for the survival and transmission of many viruses, including those that cause the flu and the common cold. A whole-home humidifier can help reduce the likelihood of illness in your household by keeping the relative humidity in the air between 40% and 60%.
Cutting Down on Pet Dander
The annoyance of pet dander is a common complaint among pet owners. Dry weather increases pet dander’s airborne potential, similar to dust and other allergies. Whole-home humidifiers are extremely useful for controlling pet hair and dander by increasing the relative humidity in the air, which makes pet dander settle to the floor more rapidly and easier to clean.
Improving HVAC Filter Efficiency
Humidity makes airborne particles heavier, which means they settle more quickly, as previously stated. As a result, your HVAC filters will last longer and be more effective at catching impurities because fewer particles will reach them. However, it is critical that you clean the home regularly to ensure you get rid of the impurities that settle on the floor and other surfaces.
Preserving Fabric Cleanliness
When exposed to dry air, fabrics can become fragile and easily damaged by dust and other particles. By regulating the relative humidity in the air, a whole-home humidifier can help keep materials soft and resistant to the absorption of airborne pollutants. Not only does this help improve the air quality in your home, but it also keeps your clothes and upholstery clean.
Supporting Immune Function
Ensuring the right humidity levels is essential for bolstering your immune system’s ability to fight off airborne infections. Too much dry air can damage the nasal and laryngeal mucous membranes, the body’s initial barrier against airborne pollutants. Humidifiers help your immune system fight off airborne infections by regulating the humidity to an ideal level, which keeps these membranes healthy.
Reducing Mold, Mildew and Fungal Growth
While it’s true that mold and mildew thrive in damp environments, keeping humidity levels just right can help keep these problems at bay. Whole-home humidifiers, when used properly, reduce the ideal conditions for mold and mildew formation by keeping your home from getting too dry.
Preventing Dry and Cracked Surfaces
Dry air has the potential to accelerate the cracking and deterioration of drywall, paint and wooden surfaces. These broken surfaces can release particles into the air, which could worsen the air quality in your home. By regulating the amount of moisture in the air, whole-home humidifiers help keep surfaces in your home from becoming damaged and releasing toxins into the air.
Consulting a Professional
For maximum effectiveness and efficiency, have a professional assess your home’s square footage, HVAC system and weather patterns to determine the best whole-home humidifier. You can also take advantage of their troubleshooting and maintenance services to keep your humidifier running smoothly and for a longer period of time.
Smith & Willis Heating & Air Conditioning can help you select a whole-home humidifier for your home in Commerce City, CO. We also help homeowners with heating installation, AC repairs, thermostat installation and more. Give us a call now to learn more about the role of whole-home humidifiers in improving indoor air quality.
