Health & Fitness
Why You Need a Humidifier
The dry air of the Winter months can break down your natural defenses against viruses, bacteria, and allergens. Learn about humidifiers and their benefits.
As the outside air temperature drops in the winter, the air can’t hold as much water (humidity). This in itself wouldn’t be so bad, if it wasn’t for home heating systems drying out the air even more. When the air gets too dry (below 30%) people tend to suffer from nose bleeds, and respiratory infections.
Decrease Your Chance of Infection
Dry air drys out the delicate mucus membranes of the nose and throat. The mucus membranes act as the bodies natural protective barrier against colds and respiratory infections. Keep your home between 30% & 55% relative humidity for best results.
Allergens
When the humidity drops below 30%, allergens such as bacteria, mold and fungal spores dry out, which increases their transportation through the air.
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Itchy Dry Skin
This one is pretty self explanatory. Reduce the time needed to apply moisturizers and lip balm. Save yourself the pain and irritation of dried out winter skin.
Warmth
Dry air doesn’t transport heat as well as moist air. By humidify ing the air in your house, you will save money on home heating costs.
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Types of Humidifiers
I prefer Evaporative Humidifiers. They’re safe, and they self regulate, which means the humidity won’t get unnaturally high. Just turn them on and go.
Vaporizers provide warm moisture, but could be a burn hazard if you have young children. Also this type causes “white dust” to accumulate in your house by vaporizing minerals in the water. Using Distilled water will solve this, but it’s a hassle.
Cool Mist Impeller Humidifiers don’t have a humidity control. They also don’t work well if you suffer from allergies, since they also spread “white dust” through the air, if you’re not using distiller water.
