Winters in East Peoria, IL, are known for cold temperatures, snow, and dry air. This can leave a person with itchy skin and a scratchy throat, in addition to making it difficult to keep houseplants alive during the winter. Many homeowners have seen the benefits of using a humidifier during the winter months to mitigate some of the impact outdoor winter conditions have on indoor air quality. There are compelling reasons to use a humidifier during the winter months.
What Does a Humidifier Do During Winter Months?
Humidifiers can add moisture to the air in your home during the dry winter months. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends an indoor air humidity level between 30 and 50%. Without a humidifier, humidity levels during the winter in Illinois can drop to as low as 10%. This is because a forced-air heater or furnace pumps very dry air into the home.
Prevent the Spread of Airborne Viruses
There is a strong relationship between high humidity levels and the reduction of germs like the influenza virus and the common cold. Raising indoor humidity levels to a minimum of 40% can decrease airborne viruses by as much as 85%.
Moisture can prevent germs from moving freely through the air. Germs will combine with moisture and then drop. This is because the airborne particles are too heavy to float when combined with humid air.
Humidity and Respiratory Issues
There are several reasons why a person snores at night, one of which is dry air. If dry air isn’t the initial cause of snoring, it can definitely make this issue worse. When the air is dry, your throat and nose become dry, increasing the sound of air passing in and out of your airways. Dry air also contains a lot of dust. Moisture in the air keeps allergens stuck on the ground. In this sense, humidifiers act like air filters. They force pollutants that are lighter than air to fall to the ground when they combine with moisture. This may help minimize snoring.
Dry air can cause your body to create more mucus, leading to nasal congestion. The resulting throat and nose irritation and inflammation can lead to a restriction in your airways. Addressing dry air inside a room can lead to significant relief from nasal irritation, making it easier for you to breathe better when you sleep.
Moisturize Your Lips and Skin
Anyone who has experienced winter weather knows that the combination of cold and dry air can wreak havoc on your lips and skin. If the humidity level in your home dips below 30%, your skin can start to feel tight and itchy. Your lips may get chapped and flaky. People who deal with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis may see a flare-up of their symptoms. Using a humidifier during the winter months may help minimize some of these uncomfortable problems.
Keep Your Home Warmer
The more moisture that is in the air, the warmer your home will feel. Just think about how it feels in the middle of the summer when there is high humidity outside. It feels like the temperature is a lot hotter outside than it is. If you have a humidifier running, you can keep your home feeling comfortable without needing to excessively raise the temperature on the thermostat. This improves comfort but can also save you money on your energy bill.
Keep Your Houseplants Happy
It’s not just your home’s human occupants that benefit from a humidifier during the winter. Your houseplants and pets will thrive if the humidity levels in your home are proper. Most houseplants come from tropical environments and are accustomed to thriving in humid conditions. When winter hits, you may notice that your favorite plant has withered. A humidifier can help perk up your plants and reduce the frequency of watering.
Making Homes Comfortable Again in Peoria
At Bratcher Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., we have served as HVAC experts in the East Peoria, IL, area for more than three decades. We are committed to providing unparalleled service to our customers. We have garnered several awards, including the Angie’s List Super Service Award and the Best HVAC Company Award. We are an A+ Better Business Bureau-accredited business.
Our services include HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance. We offer emergency heating and AC repair for both residential and commercial environments. Our team of technicians is experienced in installing ductless mini-splits, air purification systems, geothermal services, custom fireplaces, and boilers. Contact Bratcher Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. today for trusted AC repair service that’s fast, reliable, and performed by knowledgeable technicians who care.
