Humidifiers: the Unexpected Comfort Provider

August 26, 2015

Considering adding a humidifier to your Erie home when you’re doing what you can to escape the humidity outdoors this summer may seem unpleasant. However, now is the time to think about how to be sure your indoor air quality is healthy and comfortable when the air becomes drier this fall and winter.

You may not have known this, but how comfortable you feel inside has a lot to do with humidity levels. For instance, when it’s extremely humid in Erie, you’ll notice more people complaining about how unpleasant it is outside. Air that is too dry can also cause problems, like dry skin, a scratchy throat and maddening shocks from static electricity. Dry air can even raise your chances of catching a cold or developing a respiratory illness because it dries out your protective mucous membranes.

Dry air can also affect your home in addition to your body. You may see wood floors or furniture splitting or warping. You could also have issues with peeling wallpaper and gaps in your baseboards and other molding.

It’s not all bad news, though, because it’s easy to control the humidity levels in your home with a humidifier. A humidifier could help you reduce your energy costs in the winter because drier air feels colder and may cause you to crank up your heat. Balanced humidity levels can make your home feel warmer at a lower temperature. Lowering your thermostat even a few degrees can add up to savings on your utility bill.

If you though you could only control your indoor air quality with ventilation, air filtration or air purification, now you know how big of a role humidity plays in your home comfort. Call Patterson & Stirling Inc a call at 814-308-0416 to find out which indoor air quality equipment will maximize your comfort level.