If you're looking for ways to improve your home’s indoor air quality and overall comfort levels, you should have a whole-house humidifier installed. While there are portable models, they don’t have the same level of convenience or range as whole-house units. Here’s how they work and why they’re so advantageous. 

Basics

Both whole-house and portable humidifiers generate water vapor and circulate it into the atmosphere. However, unlike portable models, whole-house humidifiers cannot be moved from room to room. They must be set up in a particular location where they can attach to both the water supply and the HVAC system’s blower system and ducting. 

While this sounds more complicated than getting a small portable unit, whole-house humidifiers require little to no maintenance. Most modern models have a filter that only needs to be replaced annually. However, there is also the possibility of mineral buildup, especially if the water in your area is hard. However, if you opt for a flow-through humidifier, you won’t have to worry about excessive minerals or mold. 

Benefits

Humidifiers contribute to better indoor air quality. Ideally, indoor humidity should be between 30% and 50%. If the air is too dry, it can cause or exacerbate respiratory issues, allergies, and skin conditions. If you tend to wake up with a dry mouth, dry nasal passages, and itchy eyes, a whole-house humidifier can solve this problem. Even if you and your family members are free from these issues, the additional moisture can increase your overall comfort, especially in the winter, since the extra humidity adds warmth. 

When the indoor air has enough moisture, you don’t have to worry as much about cracked wooden furniture, flooring, or musical instruments. Drastic humidity changes can easily damage wooden musical instruments, so consult a professional before raising the level too high.

To improve the indoor air quality, alleviate health issues, and increase the comfort levels in your home, contact Colburns Heating & Air Conditioning in Frewsburg, NY. They’ve served Southwestern NY and Northwestern PA for nearly 50 years. If you need HVAC services beyond humidifier installations, their technicians are also trained to install, maintain, and service everything from furnaces to water heaters. For more information, call (716) 569- 3695 or send them a message online.