Here at Air Dynamics, one of the many things we love about what we do is being able to support people through the changes of the Midwestern seasons.
We spend the summer making sure our customers in Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora and Plainfield are safe and comfortable in stifling heat. Then, before we know it, it turns a corner and we help you hunker down for the big drop in autumn and winter.
It’s hard to believe, but it’s already time to look forward to the next six months of low-to-frigid temperatures. With those falling temperatures comes drier air. We notice it on our skin as well as from the static charges we transfer through touch (a delight for many children). The reason for this is that cold air doesn’t retain much moisture.
The relative humidity in our homes should typically be between 30% and 45% in winter. If the percentage drops into the 20s, problems and discomfort will often begin. This drop happens because warm air naturally migrates to colder air. The transfer is nature’s way of keeping a pressure balance inside a structure. The cold air typically seeps in through gaps, cracks, doors, windows, pipes and ductwork.
Just a few reasons for having proper indoor humidity include health, comfort and heating efficiency. One way to achieve the right air-moisture balance is by installing a whole-house humidifier.
When Would I Need Home-Humidifier Installation?
Any of the following could be determining factors for installing a humidifier with your furnace system in winter.
Illness. Dry air causes dry sinuses and mucous membranes, which in turn make way for viruses such as the flu and the common cold. If you or a family member tends to get sick more often in winter, a whole-house humidifier may be desirable.
Breathing problems. If someone in your household has a respiratory condition such as asthma, having the proper balance of moisture is important. The correct humidity helps keep the lungs lubricated, which helps reduce coughing and wheezing.
Harm to furnishings and home materials. Dry air dries out your home. It can cause cracking and damage to walls, woodwork, furniture and hardwood floors.
Increasing utility bills. Dry air can make your home feel much colder than it is. That will often prompt you to turn up the thermostat to achieve the comfort you need. A higher setting will typically result in greater heating costs.
Types of Home Humidifier for Installation
If you’re considering the installation of a home humidifier, you can choose from three types: bypass, fan-powered and steam electrode. Let’s take a quick look at each.
Bypass. This whole-house humidifier adds a water panel inside your ductwork. As air passes through the panel, it gathers moisture before entering your home. While it might require some additional ductwork, this type is easy to install as well as less expensive.
Fan-powered. Fan-powered humidifiers are similar to bypass units except that they have their own internal fan for pulling air through the water panel. Like the bypass, the fan-powered humidifier is an economical choice, and it provides more moisture per day than a bypass does.
Steam electrode. These units heat water by energizing two electrodes extended into a canister of water until the water changes to steam. The steam is then blown into the home, where it moisturizes the air. The most expensive option, the steam electrode unit provides the quickest and most natural way to humidify the air. You can also use it to increase humidity when the furnace is not running.
True Believers in Air Quality
At Air Dynamics, we’re passionate about the quality of your indoor air, especially as it concerns your comfort and health in Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora or Plainfield. This becomes especially important in winter, when cold, dry air can have many effects on both people and things.
As specialists in whole-house humidifiers, we can further inform you about how which type and size can be best for you based on your budget. We can also inform you about how humidifiers relate to a furnace, which models are best rated and what to do if a unit is not working.
Contact Us Today
Air Dynamics is your partner in helping ensure the air that heats your home is good for you and your belongings as well. Call us at (630) 731-1550 to find out more about the installation of a humidifier for your home in Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora or Plainfield.
