Adding humidity to your air
Before we define what a whole house humidifier is and does it work, we’ll define exactly what a humidifier is first. A humidifier is an appliance that adds moisture into the air and prevents dryness usually associated with winter when houses are closed up and for the winter with the heat on.
For many people, that dryness irritates their lips, nose, skin, and throat. A humidifier is used for to ease cold and flu symptoms as well. It has been proven that a humidifier is good for asthma, and because a family member with asthma isn’t likely to spend all their time in one room of the house, a whole house humidifier is more beneficial to that person as well as the entire family and the home.
Where a vaporizer provides warm, moisture in the air, a humidifier provides both cool and warm air in the form of vapor mist. This enables you to regulate the humidity that can make conditions worse for an asthmatic person. When using only a single portable humidifier, using a fan with the unit will circulate and spread the moisture air throughout the room. A whole house humidifier will do this through the HVAC system, spreading the treated air through the house, performing similar to a humidifier like a fan.
What is the best humidifier for whole house?
As we described,, a humidifier adds moisture to the air, helping relieve the dry lips, skin, and throat that are common in the winter. For persons with asthma and other respiratory symptoms, a whole house humidifier can make a home more comfortable. There are many on the market, here, we list three of the most popular:
Best Overall Whole House Humidifier: AIRCARE 5 Gallon Evaporative Humidifier
A top brand, this whole house humidifier by AIRCARE is a five gallon evaporative humidifier has proven to be a solid investment with performance and value. A modern, sleek unit that outputs 12.8 gallons per day for a 4,000 square foot home.
Best Budget Whole House Humidifier: AIRCARE Space-Saver Whole House Evaporative Humidifier
Another model by AIRCARE, this six gallon water tank unit is good for homes up to 2,700 square feet, making it the best value compared to other brands. With a maximum 70 hour runtime ad compact size explains its popularity.
Best Design Whole House Humidifier: Levoit LV600HH Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier
From Levoit, this whole house humidifier displays the humidity level, assisting in your adjustment of the settings by the digital control panel or use the remote control for convenience. With a six liter tank, continuous use of 36 hours and smart auto mode adjustment to achieve a suitable level, makes this unit the best design. If the display bothers you, there is an optional timer available to turn it off at night.
Are humidifiers bad for House?
For all the good that whole house humidifiers do, they also can cause problems, but when you know what those dangers are, you can take steps to minimize them.
- Mold: A whole home humidifier is going to add moisture in the air through the ductwork. That moisture its distributed throughout your house, condensing on the walls and windows. Just like the moisture from a plumbing leak, if the moisture is excessive, mold will grow and with that come health issues.
- Rot: Along with mold from excessive condensation comes rot when that moisture is left unattended. That rot on boards in the attic and basement will delaminate the floor and roof boards, cracks develop, the wood gets thicker, soft, and pulpy.
- Staining: That condensation on the windows will spread to the walls and stain. This isn’t a reason to forgo getting a whole house humidifier, but you need to take precautions to avoid this from happening.
What can you do to avoid these problems? Have your HVAC and whole house humidifier system professionally cleaned at the same time the air ducts are cleaned. During the winter, once every 30 days is recommended.
Do whole house humidifiers cause mold?
Yes, as we mentioned above, a whole house humidifier can cause mold. However, if used properly, following manufacturer’s instructions, along with professionally cleaning HVAC system and the whole house humidifier. Not only will doing those things avoid the mold issue, it also will ensure you get the most form your whole house humidifier and extend the lifespan of the unit. house
How hard is it to install a whole house humidifier?
A whole house humidifier provide protection for your family from the dry air of winter heating. Installation is relatively simple, attaching to the main stack so the unit draws the water needed from a nearby water pipe. There are whole house humidifiers that are installed in the return-air duct, adding moisture to the air before it is heated.
Are humidifiers worth getting? Definitely! If there is anyone in your home that suffers from asthma or other respiratory issues, or you suffer from dry lips, nose, skin, or throat during the winter, a whole house humidifier can make winter more comfortable. When cold and flu season kick into gear, these units are particularly effective. You can use your whole house humidifier without essential oil or with essential oil, whichever way works best for you. Call (410) 921-1277 today for your whole home humidifier installation in Severn and Baltimore, MD with Rocky HVAC.
