Relative humidity (RH) is the measure of airborne moisture within the context of temperature. In the winter, the air is naturally drier. You’ll often exacerbate that fact as a byproduct of heating your home. One solution to increase RH is a humidifier. A whole-home humidifier integrates into your HVAC system and adds moisture to the air as it flows through it.
Greater Comfort and Energy Efficiency
The optimal RH, according to the EPA, is between 30% and 50%. What feels best varies from person to person, but it will usually be in that range. An interesting aspect of RH is that the higher it is in winter, the warmer you feel. A humidifier makes the heat feel warmer and more comforting. Many households that invest in a humidifier can drop their typical winter setting by several degrees or more. That will lower your heating costs by about a percentage point per degree. It will also save wear and tear on your heating system as it won’t have to work as hard.
Easier Breathing and Improved Respiratory Health
When RH is outside the optimal range for humans, it’s more difficult to breathe. It dries out your eyes and lips. It also irritates your nose, mouth, throat, and even lungs. When the air is too dry, you’ll find that headaches, sore throats, body aches, and chronic fatigue are more common. You’ll also be more susceptible to illnesses.
Asthma and Allergy Relief
When discussing allergies and asthma, the topic often focuses on pollen, dander, and other particulate matter. That said, RH can have a big effect on how you react to these allergens. Low RH can make you more susceptible to triggers. Sufferers are also likely to experience heightened and more frequent symptoms.
Better Sleep
Temperature is a big component of how well you sleep, but RH is as well. Studies show that people fall asleep more easily with the right RH. They sleep more peacefully and with fewer disruptions. They’re also less prone to snoring. In fact, people who don’t usually snore may during the winter simply because of the drier air. Sleeping better and on a more consistent basis can have a significant effect on how you feel day to day.
Enhanced Skin and Hair Health
You’ve likely noticed that your skin is drier during the winter. That is due to the drier air. It’s because of the cold, too, but inside, it’s mostly the lower RH. With an optimal RH, you’ll notice that your skin is less itchy and flaky. You may not have to use as many moisturizers and similar products. You’ll likely notice this with your hair as well. It’ll be easier to clean, look healthier, and have more bounce.
Static Electricity
If you’ve ever felt a shock when touching a doorknob or seen sparks along your carpet, you’ve experienced static electricity. Static electricity is a naturally occurring phenomenon. Moisture in the air is a natural conductor that dissipates electricity. When the air is dry, not enough dissipation occurs, and it builds up elsewhere. While you will get some buildup between 40% and 50% RH, it generally won’t be enough to feel or see.
Nosebleeds
The most common cause of nosebleeds is dry air. This is why adults who are prone to them will experience them often in winter. Running a humidifier will all but eliminate the irritation that causes the nose to bleed. Note that it won’t have an effect on nosebleeds that occur for other reasons.
Protect Your Home
Dry air can affect various aspects of your home as well. The backing of wallpaper, for instance, will wear down much quicker if the home is very dry. Wood flooring and furniture can also suffer from dry air. A healthier RH will keep the fibrous materials softer, which will protect the condition and extend the lives of things like wood flooring, leather couches, and other belongings. Other possessions to note include artwork, photographs, baseball cards, and newspapers.
Local IAQ Experts
Oasis Heating & Cooling provides indoor air quality services in Grosse Pointe, MI and the surrounding areas. That includes installing, maintaining, and repairing whole-home air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and humidifiers. Our company also has HVAC technicians who install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems. We specialize in furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, ductless mini-splits, and air conditioners. Call Oasis Heating & Cooling today or contact us online to learn more about these services or to schedule an appointment.
