Using a Humidifier For Greater Comfort in Your Atlanta Home

If you suffer from dry skin, itchy eyes or throat, or cracked lips a humidifier may provide relief. This is particularly true in the winter when humidity levels are generally lower.

Humidity is a term to describe the water level in the air and is expressed as a percentage. The higher the water level in the air the higher the humidity percentage. Generally, the humidity level should be around 50% although anything between 40% and 60% is acceptable. You can measure your home’s humidity level by purchasing an inexpensive device called a hygrometer. By taking readings during various times during the day you can get a very good idea of which rooms need humidification.

There are two common types of room humidifiers that can be purchased – cool air and warm air. Either type work well and it is really personal preference on which type you purchase. Warm air humidifiers boil the water within them and emit it as steam. These units are quiet as there are no moving parts but there is a burn risk associated with them. Also, overuse can cause over-humidification and a “muggy” feeling. Cool air humidifiers generally wick the water up a filter and close to a fan where the water is evaporated into the air. A second cool air method is achieved with a spinning disk that causes the water to mist into the air. A third, less common, humidifier is ultrasonic. It causes the water to mist by blasting it with high pitched sound. The sound is generally not audible to human ears.

If you find that your whole house is in need of humidification than the units described might not be the best route. Instead, a whole house unit attached to your central air could work better.  The advantages are that the unit is connected to the home’s water supply eliminating the need to refill the unit as you do with room humidifiers. Also, the unit is out of sight and not cluttering up your rooms as single room units do.

The decision to go with a whole house or single room units is really a matter of preference because either way your humidity levels are optimized. The best thing to do is by a room unit and test it out as well as setting an appointment with a whole house installer to learn more about costs and benefits. Either way your home will feel much more comfortable!