CHOOSING BETWEEN A HUMIDIFIER OR DEHUMIDIFIER THIS WINTER
It is that time of year again when the air seems to be thicker and dryer than usual. It’s also when you are probably looking for ways to keep your home warm with less energy. So now is the perfect time to talk about how your heating service in Fontana and other home comfort systems work.
If you need a heating system installed in your home this winter, make sure you know what type of furnace/heating unit is best for your needs. You’ll also want to have an understanding of the units available to help you control your humidity. For example, winters in San Bernadino, CA, can present different humidity issues to homeowners. Read on to help determine which type of system will best fit your needs as the cold months approach.
FIGHT DRY HEAT WITH A HUMIDIFIER THIS WINTER
When the air in your home is too dry, it can suck all of the moisture right out of you. Your eyes may feel gritty and uncomfortable with a burning sensation, and your lips may crack. Your hair becomes brittle or oily while your skin loses its elasticity. Eczema issues are likely, and you may have nose bleeds from dried-up nasal passages.
Wood is a natural material that can soak up moisture from the air, leading to warping and shrinking. Suppose you don’t want this happening on your watch. In that case, it’s vital to have professional humidifiers installed in homes with low humidity levels not to cause permanent damage.
The three main choices for humidifiers are:
- Bypass
- Steam
- Power
BYPASS SYSTEMS
Bypass systems connect directly to your HVAC system. They create moisture by mixing water with warm air from heat ducts to solve low-humidity problems you might be experiencing at home or work.
POWER HUMIDIFIERS
Power humidifiers are the best if you need a constant supply of humidity. They incorporate fans and heating elements that heat water to create steam and boost humidity levels.
STEAM HUMIDIFIERS
Steam humidifiers have the most incredible flexibility and power compared to other types with a self-contained heating element. In addition, some of these units are portable so that you can move them from room to room. However, there are also whole-home steam humidifiers that attach to your HVAC unit to support proper humidity levels throughout your living areas.
A DEHUMIDIFIER WILL HELP THIS WINTER WITH EXCESS HUMIDITY
It’s no surprise that a dehumidifier is helpful in the winter when it’s cold outside and hot inside. You may not realize it, but excessive humidity in your home is not good either. A dehumidifier can help keep the air comfortable and reduce discomfort by drying out excess moisture from the environment. In addition, it allows you not to experience being sweaty or being unable to cool yourself.
You will often see improvement after installing just one device. For example, you’ll breathe easier without having constant worry about your health.
The high humidity in your home is conducive to dust mites. It causes an increased risk of microbial growth and the occurrence of mold. Moisture can lead to rot which may cause water damage that will eventually destroy your property over time. In addition, it is contributing to termite infestations or other destructive pests like cockroaches if left unchecked for too long.
The quality of the air we need throughout each day helps us breathe easier at night. However, we don’t always think about all these factors related to our indoor environment, such as moisture levels.
If your AC system isn’t cutting it, you may want to consider installing a dehumidifier.
Depending on why you need one, they can either be incorporated into your HVAC system or installed as standalone units. Some dehumidifiers can even ventilate your home.
Don’t let your home suffer from the effects of a dry or moist atmosphere. 4 Points A/C & Heating has everything you need to keep up with all those humidity problems, whether it’s too low or high.
USING BOTH A HUMIDIFIER OR DEHUMIDIFIER THIS WINTER WILL SAVE YOU MONEY
Do your heating bills soar in the winter? Then, use a humidifier or dehumidifier to save money. A humidifier not only wards off the dry air in your home during the cold months it can also decrease your energy bill.
A dehumidifier can lower indoor humidity without increasing utility bills like running other utilities and devices do. So, instead of buying multiple appliances that raise the cost of your monthly utility bills, buy a humidifier. It will do its job with minimal impact on how much you spend each month.
THE IDEAL HUMIDITY LEVELS FOR YOUR HOME
Creating the perfect indoor humidity level is key to a comfortable, healthy home. You’ll want to aim for something around 30-50% so your family can thrive and you’re able to protect your home.
The simplest way to avoid the challenges arising from too much or too little humidity at home is by using a tool.
A hygrometer helps to measure the humidity level in your house. You can place this small tool anywhere in your home that’s away from bathrooms or kitchens or anywhere you can create moisture.
It’s essential to make sure not to skew the hygrometer reading by sunlight or rain. Also, avoid doors and windows when taking your temperature readings as they may affect how accurate they are.
With the help of a digital hygrometer, you’ll be sure that your home is always at an ideal moisture level. It will allow for mold growth to slow down or even stop altogether.
The perfect balance between oxygen and water vapor makes up our environment’s atmosphere. Many factors affect this balance, like temperature fluctuations. Making sure everything remains consistent throughout without too much variation ensures the happiness and health of your family, but that your home is safe as well.
The amount of moisture in a room is constantly fluctuating. Air conditioners keep it at about 50% relative humidity. You don’t want condensation forming on windows or other surfaces, leading to mold growth and expensive repairs down the line if not handled properly.
TRUST THE EXPERTS
Once you decide which device works better for your living situation, you’ll be able to make an informed decision.
For some people, having the proper humidity in their homes is a priority. If you care deeply about the humidity levels in your home, choosing the correct device is essential. Unfortunately, most homeowners misunderstand these appliances. Hopefully, this article explained what they do differently from each other. Then, when deciding on which type suits your needs best, it’ll be an easy decision for you.
Trust our crew for your next humidifier or dehumidifier installation. We’ve got the experience and knowledge to do it right, so contact 4 Points A/C & Heating today. You can even schedule an appointment online. And don’t forget about all of the other services we offer like heating/cooling repair and water heater maintenance. Give us a call today to learn more.
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