Coal trucks have disappeared from residential streets; tanker trucks no longer pump oil into tanks in backyards. Today, we have the cleanest and most convenient way to heat our homes. Unlike the days when the rooms of houses could either be too hot or too cold, depending on how close they were to the heat source, today’s homes maintain constant temperatures throughout. Our thermostats allow us to decide on the exact temperature setting that makes our families the most comfortable.
So what is the Downside?
Forced air heating has a way of drying the air out and lowering the overall humidity in the home. The colder it is outside, the drier it can get inside. This can adversely affect not only the humans in a home, but also wooden furniture and other wood in a home.
Are the rungs on your wooden chairs are loose or popping out? Have you noticed that your wooden musical instruments are showing cracking in the finish? Are your furniture finishes and woodwork dry and cracking? All of these are signs that your home is crying out for more humidity.
But furniture and musical instruments are not the only things that need humidity. Humans may need it even more.
Chapped lips, dry eyes, dry skin, and static electricity that make your hair stand on end or give you a shock when crossing the carpet are all annoyances that can be alleviated by humidification.
Even more, your health could be compromised by an indoor environment that is too dry. Asthma and allergies can be exacerbated by dry air. Coughs and sore throats increase in a dry atmosphere.
Even if you get a cold, humidity can help you heal faster. Keeping nasal passages lubricated can speed the healing process. Keeping nasal passages lubricated can also help prevent nosebleeds. A bonus for married couples—moisturizing the air can keep the throat from drying out and can relieve the intensity of snoring sounds.
The Answer is Whole-House Humidification
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: “Humidifiers are commonly used in homes to relieve the physical discomforts of dry nose, throat, lips, and skin. The moisture they add to dry air also helps alleviate common nuisances brought on by winter heating, such as static electricity, splitting
woodwork and cracks in paint and furniture.
Why a Whole-Home Humidifier?
A whole-home humidifier delivers the perfect amount of moisture to your home, making you more comfortable. Humidity also makes your home feel more comfortable at lower thermostat settings. This saves you money. In fact, the EPA states that for every degree you lower your thermostat, you will save about 4% on your total heating bill.
Because too much humidity can be as much of a problem as too little, whole-home humidifiers continually monitor relative humidity levels and deliver the perfect amount of moisture. Because these units are fitted to your furnace, they deliver the moist air through existing ductwork to the entire home.
TR Miller Heating and Cooling carries AprilAire humidifiers and can install the perfect unit to your existing equipment. Call today to improve the health of your furniture, your home and your family. (630) 357-4373.
