Heating

 

The thick, damp humid air of summer has left the Plainfield area for another year (don’t worry it will be back!)

Enter the dry, warm air of the heated home in winter.  That dry air can cause some uncomfortable issues.

Why Does Dry Air Matter?

Dry air makes it easier for allergens and bacteria to spread through your home.  Your respiratory system is coated with fluid to protect you from airborne irritants, however dry air can thin the fluid and make it easier for your airways to become irritated or infected.

Cold temperatures combined with dry indoor air can cause:

  • Coughing and/or runny nose.
  • Dry/sore throat.
  • Flaky, itchy skin.
  • Feeling thirsty or tired.
  • Increased asthma symptoms.

Worst of all, dry air can make it easier for the flu or other viruses to spread.

Do You Need a Humidifier?

The best indicator of needing a humidifier is your personal comfort.  If you experience dry and itchy skin, feel tired all the time, have nosebleeds, or just feel uncomfortable in your home a humidifier may be a great investment.

In addition to health problems, dry air can also cause property damage.  Dry air can harm wooden furniture, hardwood flooring, or other personal items that can be ruined if they get too dried out.

The recommended humidity level for comfort is 30% to 60%.  A hygrometer is the best way to measure humidity levels in your home.  If your humidity level is too low, you are feeling sick all the time, or you are just uncomfortable a humidifier is recommended.  (In fact, many physicians will recommend a humidifier.)

Home Humidification Options

There are several options when using a humidifier in your home.  There are portable units that can be placed in specific rooms.  However, depending on the size of your home or number of rooms you would need to purchase several humidifiers for full coverage.

Whole house humidifiers are a great option to keep humidification at the desired levels.  Whole home humidifiers are designed to over a large area and discharge moisture to all rooms in your home.  Whole home humidifiers may contain a built-in humidistat, so you can set the humidity level.

Don’t over-humidify your home, it is important to find the proper moisture balance for optimal comfort and health.

At TR Miller Heating and Cooling we offer several options in whole-home humidification.  We can help you select the right unit and install it for you.  There are also rebates available on select units right now.  Please take a look at our home humidification products and call us for a free estimate and have optimal moisture levels this winter!

 

Author

  • brian sloan headshot

    Brian Sloan is the President of TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical, one of the western Chicago suburbs' leading family owned home service companies, serving homeowners across more than 80 communities throughout Will, Kendall, DuPage, Kane, and Cook counties.

    TR Miller is more than a business to Brian, it's a family legacy. The company was founded by his father, Tim Miller, and Brian and his brother Jim have played an important role in growing the business from a small local operation into a full service residential HVAC, plumbing, and electrical company serving homeowners throughout the greater Chicagoland area.

    Brian's perspective on the home services industry comes from firsthand experience. Before taking on leadership responsibilities, he worked in the field as an HVAC Service Technician and Fabrication Technician, diagnosing heating and cooling systems, assembling custom HVAC components, and supporting residential installations throughout the western suburbs.

    That hands on foundation continues to influence the way Brian leads TR Miller today. He understands both the work taking place inside a customer's home and the systems, training, and support required behind the scenes to consistently deliver a great customer experience.

    Over the course of his career at TR Miller, Brian has worked across nearly every major area of the business, including operations, marketing, sales, job coordination, customer service, finance, and leadership. Today, as President, he is responsible for the overall strategy, growth, culture, and performance of the organization.

    That breadth of experience across both the technical and business sides of home services has helped shape how TR Miller operates: combining the systems and accountability of a professionally run organization with the care, responsiveness, and personal connection of a family business.
    Brian's philosophy is straightforward, make home services convenient and reliable while giving homeowners the information they need to make the best decisions for their homes and families. That means educating customers, providing clear options and upfront pricing, and making sure homeowners understand both what was found and why a repair or replacement may be recommended.

    Under Brian's leadership, TR Miller has expanded beyond HVAC into plumbing and electrical services, grown across multiple locations, invested heavily in technical and leadership development, and been recognized seven times on the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest growing privately held companies.

    Credentials & Affiliations:
    - President, TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical
    - Membership Officer, YPO Chicagoland
    - Board Member, Nexstar Network
    - Former Vice Chair, Board of Directors, Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce
    - Associate's Degree, Waubonsee Community College
    - Former HVAC Service Technician & Fabrication Technician, TR Miller
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