When temperatures start dropping, furnace repair and upkeep aren’t the only things you should get done. Consider getting a humidifier this winter as something to keep the cold at bay. Most people dismiss its importance, not knowing that this equipment offers many benefits to their interior homes and offices.  

Why Use a Humidifier During Winter?

1. Keeps Your Home Warmer

As the name suggests, a humidifier adds moisture to the air to raise humidity levels. Dry air is often associated with the winter season, but by boosting relative humidity, it becomes wetter and feels warmer on the skin. Remember how hot and heavy it feels outside during the summer? That’s what happens when there’s high water vapor content in the air.

Adding a humidifier to your heating arsenal, apart from ensuring preventive furnace repairs, will help you stay warm and toasty without racking up high utility bills during the season. You can keep the thermostat lower than usual to save on energy and costs. Start small by investing in a portable type suitable for a room, then switch to a centralized or large-scale one later on.

2. Prevents Dryness and Irritation

Cold air can be drying to skin, hair, lips, and eyes as it pulls out moisture from the body. So even if you keep yourself hydrated during winter, it’s not unusual to experience chapped lips, irritated nose, bloodshot eyes, scratchy throat, and dry, itchy patches on the skin. More often than not, it also leads to sinus congestion and headaches. Stave off such physical discomforts by bringing up moisture levels with a humidifier.

3. Helps in Alleviating Respiratory Issues

Increasing humidity with the use of a humidifier delivers a host of health benefits, too. It is efficient in easing symptoms of allergies and respiratory problems like asthma. Pollutants and airborne contaminants are less likely to turn into irritants because damp air helps in the soothing throat and nasal passages. However, you’ll only get this benefit if you’ve remembered to change or clean the HVAC filters during furnace repair and servicing.

4. Reduces Static Electricity

Another nuisance that comes with winter is static electricity, which results from running the heat in your home. Not only is it annoying, but it can also damage electronics and produce sparks that pose a fire hazard. Boosting the humidity level with a humidifier prevents the build-up of static electricity and problems related to it.

This winter, a humidifier can significantly benefit you and your family. If you’re ready to have one installed at home, turn to Wild West Plumbing, Heating & Drain Service. Based in Kalispell, MT, they provide HVAC and plumbing services, including furnace repair and water heater installation, throughout the Flathead Valley region. Call (406) 752-1244 or view their full list of services online.