You run to your heating system once winter comes knocking at your door. But the thing with winter is not merely the freezing temperature that comes with it. As you enable your heating device, you might be one of those homeowners dealing with uncomfortable dry air. And this is where the central air humidifier comes into the picture.
While we usually associate the word “humidity” with sweat and discomfort, it is not always bad. Humidity is beneficial to us on a certain level as it keeps the atmosphere balanced. Your indoor air may become too dry without it, increasing skin, throat, or eye irritation. It is one reason you still suffer from chapped lips even with a warm indoor temperature. This article will give you a better understanding of how you can prevent these by using a central air humidifier. We will also be discussing the disadvantages and advantages that come with it.
How does a Central Air Humidifier Work?
A central air humidifier provides an adequate amount of moisture in the air. As too much and too little moisture levels can create significant discomfort, what it does is create balance.
Have you ever wondered how humidity levels are detected? It is through the aid of your humidistat. Functioning similarly to your thermostat, a humidistat detects the amount of humidity in the air and tells you whether it is up to the standard, which is 40% – 60%. When it notices that your indoor air is drier than usual, it adds up moisture by increasing water vapour within the airflow. Said water comes from evaporation from the heat of the furnace, in which the humidifier comes to dissipate.
A central air humidifier is hardwired or mounted to your home’s HVAC system and linked to the plumbing. Unlike the other variations of home humidifiers that can be portable or console models, this variation stays stuck in an area. It can provide efficient moisture throughout your home, even in different rooms. Once initiated to function, you can rely on its adequate humidification for the entire space you have.
Advantages of a Central Air Humidifier
If you are looking to purchase a central air humidifier, you want to know the advantages that come with it. No one wants to invest in something without knowing what good they can reap from them, right? Why is it beneficial for your home? Is it a good investment?
Lower humidity levels can promote the spread of viruses such as cold. As the air increases in dryness, it can be a breeding ground for a virus to thrive. If you have a central air humidifier, you lessen their survival rate and promote healthier airflow. It can also help you save money and energy in the long run. Unlike having multiple portable humidifiers within your home, having a central air humidifier can provide service throughout your home at once. It helps you save costs on energy as you won’t have to run multiple units to get the humidity level you wish to achieve. You can attain your preferred moisture level with a single device — how cool is that?
If noisy machine sounds bother you, you won’t have to worry about it with a central air humidifier. It operates quietly while it performs its job well. Did you know that it also requires less maintenance? Since it has a linkage to your home’s plumbing system, you won’t have to do a manual refill frequently. The plumbing system automatically supplies it with the water it needs to create a sufficient amount of vapour. If you are extremely busy and hate to have to refill manually constantly, this is an advantage on your end.
Disadvantages of a Central Air Humidifier
While it has its benefits, a central air humidifier also has cons. We will be looking into those intricately below.
The first disadvantage is the installation. Unlike portable ones that you slide off the box and use, central air humidifiers don’t work that simple. They require a professional contractor to establish linkage to your HVAC and plumbing system properly. Installation is not something you can do as you may risk damage to either of the existing systems involved. Another downside is the upfront expense that comes with it. Purchasing a whole-home humidifier can cost you about $150 – $800, depending on the brand and quality. You may also spend another $300 to $500 for the installation. If money is not a big deal, this might not be an issue for you.
Another significant con of the central air humidifier is mildew and mould growth and development. Without proper maintenance of your humidifier and HVAC system, you’re triggering mould growth. As moisture is food for mould, it can thrive when you don’t perform regular maintenance check-ups. If this is left ignored, you are allowing circulation of potential allergens to your indoor airflow. It could be a problem if you are prone to respiratory issues or if one of the residents of your home has allergies.
Conclusion
A central air humidifier is your home’s best friend to keep your humidity levels at standard. While your HVAC system allows you to endure either the scorching summer heat or frigid winters, humidifiers will enable you to enjoy those without suffering from dry eyes, skin, and lips. While often seen as an unnecessary component of your home, they are an excellent investment worth your money. If you are still in doubt, have a licensed technician assess your home in Toronto. Experts can guarantee if it suits your home needs ideally. Also, keep in mind to have a central air humidifier installed by professionals only. Never try to risk a DIY installation as you may be ending up spending extra for repairs of your HVAC or plumbing system.
Doing your research prior to any purchase of your home is necessary. With the availability of information on the web-wide world today, everything is easily accessible with a tap of a finger. However, it is also crucial to properly weigh any information as false advertisements are everywhere. A quick call to your local Toronto expert will never fail you.
