Winters here in Michigan mean hot cocoa, making snowmen, and snuggling up under your favorite blanket!
But unfortunately, winters here can also mean sneezing, coughing, and wheezing! Is this merely a coincidence? We don’t think so! See, as temperatures here get lower and lower, the air around us gets dryer and dryer, leading to all sorts of complications for our health and wellness.
Of course, we think the best way to combat this issue is with a whole-house humidifier! In fact, there are plenty of reasons to have one of these systems installed, and below, we have outlined some of them for you. All you’ve got to do is keep reading to find out more (and remember to call us for all things HVAC in Grand Rapids, MI.)
First Things First: What Is Humidity?
Humidity, to put it simply, is the amount of water vapor present in the air. In the summer, there tends to be much more water vapor in the air, as warm air is better for retaining moisture. In the winter, the opposite applies.
Finding the right balance of humidity inside your home is important for a number of reasons: your health, your comfort, and efficiency! Installing either a humidifier or a dehumidifier, depending on your unique needs, is a great way to strike a perfect balance.
Do You Need a Humidifier?
There are a number of signs that suggest your home could benefit from a humidifier this winter, including:
- Frequent Illness: Dry air leads to dry mucous membranes and dried membranes allow space for viruses, like the common cold or flu, to enter your body. If you find that you or your family members are often sick, especially during the winter, it is a sign that your home could use a whole-house humidifier.
- Respiratory Issues: If you or a family member has respiratory problems like allergies or asthma, it’s important to make sure there’s a good amount of moisture in your home at all times. When the humidity of your home is maintained, your lungs stay lubricated and you experience less coughing and wheezing.
- Cracked or Damaged Furnishings: Dry air doesn’t just dry out your body—it also dries out your home. Dry air can also cause your walls, woodwork, and hardwood floors to crack too.
- High Heat Bills: When the air in your home is dry, it can make your home feel much, much cooler. It then becomes likely that you’ll turn your thermostat up in an effort to achieve greater comfort. Of course, this leads to higher energy bills. To keep your bills low, consider a humidifier.
You Need a Whole-House Solution
When it comes to achieving the perfect balance of humidity in your home, a portable system is simply not going to cut it. What you need is a whole-house system, one that is capable of treating the entirety of your indoor air. Just make sure you hire a certified HVAC professional (like the professionals on our team) to install it!
What are you waiting for? Schedule your indoor air quality services with the team at GRmetro Heating & Cooling today!
