Benefits of Installing Whole-Home Humidifiers This Winter

What is a Humidifier?

A humidifier is a device used to add moisture and humidity to the air in the home. This can improve indoor air quality and comfort, as well as help reduce symptoms of allergies or asthma. This blog will share the benefits of getting a humidifier installed. Sometimes referred to as central humidifiers, these units can work with or without a heating and cooling system.

Easy Breathing

Better respiratory health is one of the best benefits of using a central humidifier. Using a humidifier can be beneficial for respiratory health in several ways. Increasing the humidity level in a home reduces the number of allergens and other irritants that can cause breathing problems. This is because high levels of humidity help trap these particles and keep them from circulating through the air. Winter weather tends to bring viruses such as the flu or a common cold. Although there are medications to ease symptoms, prevention is always better. A whole-house humidifier can decrease viral transmissions so the entire household can feel healthier.

Additionally, higher humidity levels can help to loosen mucus and reduce coughing. This is especially beneficial for those with conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, or allergies. Finally, a humidifier creates a more comfortable environment overall, which can be particularly important during cold winter months when the air tends to be dry and irritating to the respiratory system. All these factors make using a humidifier an excellent way to help promote respiratory health.

Soothes Skin Conditions

Cold weather and low humidity can also damage the body. Chapped lips and dry skin are common symptoms of low humidity during winter that can be helped with a humidifier. A dry atmosphere can also change the texture of hair. Added humidity from a humidifier is more likely to add volume and shine.  

A whole-home humidifier adds moisture to the air preventing skin from flaking. This is especially beneficial for children or adults with chronic skin conditions. Irritated skin can become increasingly inflamed during the dry seasons and tends to heal faster with additional humidity in the air. Some of these skin conditions can include psoriasis, xeroderma, and even hormonal acne. 

Arthritis is another condition that can be soothed with a humidifier. Although there is no cure for arthritis, humidity can reduce swelling and inflammation in the joints. This helps with pain and mobility. 

Houseplants Benefit Too

Indoor plants thrive when moisture is added to the air. Houseplants generally prefer warm mist humidifiers that can effectively heat the atmosphere around them, but any humidifier is better than none. Larger plants with broad leaves, like monsteras or peace lilies, are especially grateful for extra humidity. These are popular houseplants in the United States but originated in a tropical climate. Misting humidifiers for lilies are not required as long as the air around them is moist, like from a central humidifier. 

The plants that enjoy the most moisture are typically sensitive ones. Many of these flowers are kept in the bathroom or the kitchen because they bloom fuller in these moist environments. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t thrive in the living room too. Moth orchids and Boston ferns do best in rooms with 70% humidity. Plants absorb the humidifier's moisture and produce more oxygen inside the house. This cycle can continue all winter and improve indoor air quality.

About Master Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling

Master Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling is an award-winning company serving Cedar Rapids, IA, and the surrounding areas. They offer upfront pricing, tailored options, and same-day service. Call them today for humidifier services in Cedar Rapids, IA. 

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