Winter has arrived in Central PA, meaning it is once again time to prepare to battle the elements and their side effects. Cold, dry rooms, dry and itchy skin and warped furniture are all symptoms of common winters here. But what if there was a very simple solution to most of these issues? Well there is, and it’s as simple as a humidifier.
What are some signs of dry air?
- Cracks in wood furniture or moldings
- Gaps in wood flooring
- Dry, cracked, itchy skin
- Excessive static electricity
- Frequent illness -breathing dry air dries out your membranes providing a direct route for viruses to enter the bloodstream
Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. Thus, a humidifier adds water vapor to the air, making up for the harsh dryness that winter brings.
Humidifiers Can Contribute to Energy Savings
When the air is colder, it can’t retain as much water vapor. That vapor had previously acted as insulation for your body. The lack of water vapor causes you to feel colder, and turn up the thermostat. Installing a humidifier would bring back the lost water vapor, thus restoring the “insulation” and allowing your body to be more comfortable at cooler temperatures.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that for each degree you turn down the thermostat, you save about 4% in monthly utility expenses.
