Humidifiers: the Unexpected Comfort Provider

August 26, 2015

While it may be difficult to think about adding a humidifier to your Wausau home while it’s still technically summer, now may be the ideal time to do so to ensure you’re prepared for drier air when it cools down. Although humidity isn’t usually thought of when considering indoor air quality, it should be.

Humidity plays a critical role in our comfort. After all, think about the last time Wausau had a day (or week…or month) of high humidity. That’s usually when you hear people saying, “It’s not the heat, it’s that darn humidity.” On the flip side of this, air that is too dry also comes with its own annoyances, from dry skin to a scratchy throat.

Having low humidity in your home can also mean increased static electricity, dry lips and hair, a scratchy nose and chapped lips to name a few. Dry air leads to a higher chance of your mucous membranes drying out, making it easier for you to catch a cold or develop a respiratory illness.

Your home can also be affected by the lack of a humidifier as well, as woodwork and furniture can then have to deal with splitting, separation or warping because of the lack of humidity. You might also have to deal with peeling wallpaper or gaps in your baseboards and other molding.

Of course, there’s no reason you can’t control the humidity levels in your home, making it that much more comfortable when you walk in the door. Plus, taking advantage of a humidifier means it can help you save energy and could lower your air conditioner service costs.

Having control over your humidity also means you can have the thermostat set a few degrees warmer or cooler based on the season, because humid air feels more comfortable. Those few degrees have the ability to make an impact on your energy bill every month as well, possibly saving you money throughout the year.

Indoor air quality isn’t specifically limited to ventilation, air filtration or air purification. Humidity plays a huge role in our comfort, so why not make your air the most comfortable it can be. If you’re curious as to which indoor air quality product might be ideal for your home and budget, give the experts at Gilray Heating and Cooling a call at 715-301-0727.