Heating and cooling your home require more than a functioning furnace and AC unit. Maintaining comfortable indoor conditions and high air quality are also influenced by your indoor moisture levels. Unfortunately, it isn’t always easy to achieve the right balance for indoor humidity. Because of this, many homeowners rely on either a humidifier or dehumidifier—and sometimes both.

Humidifiers

Humidifiers are most commonly used during the winter, when the air is drier than at other times of the year. Extremely low humidity can lead to several heating and cooling problems, such as cracked woodwork and even health issues like dry skin and headaches. 

Humidifiers release moisture into the air in either a cool mist or warm steam, depending on the type of unit you purchase. Increasing the humidity level in a dry environment won’t just counteract the negative impact of dry air but also help your house feel warmer. This could allow you to lower the furnace settings for extra savings.

Dehumidifiers

If you live in an area with hot and humid conditions, you will need a dehumidifier. When conditions are too humid, mold and mildew growth are more likely to occur indoors, which can damage property and have severe health consequences, such as headaches and breathing issues. Extreme humidity can also aggravate symptoms for individuals with asthma and allergies.

Dehumidifiers draw water vapor from the surrounding air, typically through condensation. Because of this, the collected water typically needs to be emptied every one or two days. The lack of humidity will make the interior space cooler, meaning you won’t have to run the AC unit as much, resulting in lower energy bills.

No matter what your heating and cooling needs may be, you can count on Donovan & Jorgenson. Serving the Greater Milwaukee, WI, area since 1985, these HVAC contractors have earned an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau^®, thanks to their reliable residential and commercial work—including 24/7 emergency service. To learn more about their services, visit them online.