16 Nov How Humidity Affects Comfort & What You Can Do About It

Most heating and cooling systems process indoor air in a way that moderates some humidity, but it takes special equipment to really control it. If you want to be more comfortable in every room, in every season, talk to an expert like Cliff Bergin & Associates about humidifiers and dehumidifiers. There are a number of whole-home systems that can add or remove moisture as needed to achieve what is considered to be an ideal humidity range—between 35 and 55 percent humidity.

Fight Dry, Winter Air With a Humidifier

When temperatures fall, cool air retains less humidity and moisture levels drop. Then you close your windows and air becomes even more dry as it recirculates through your home. Humidity levels can drop as low as those in the desert—below 30 percent—and lead to a number of problems:

• Raspy throats, coughs, and sinus pain for family members
• Itchy skin and eyes, and even increased joint pain due to dehydration
• Dry skin for pets, which means more dander and allergy problems for people
• Annoying static shocks, especially in rooms with carpeting
• Expensive hardwood floors or wood furniture can crack and splinter
• Higher heating bills, because dry air feels cooler

An environment with adequate moisture is simply better for you and your home. While portable units help, they have limited range and require you to constantly refill the reservoir. A whole-home humidifier from Carrier® solves dry air issues in every room, while working very quietly and efficiently to take comfort to a new level. Many people don’t think they need a humidifier until they get one—then they say they can’t live through winter without it.

Breathe Easier With a Dehumidifier

Very humid, heavy air can also create problems, particularly for people with asthma or allergies. Moist air usually contains dust, pollen, and pollutants—things that can make it harder to breathe. It’s also a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and dust mites, which are unhealthy for you and your home. Eliminate extra moisture and the mustiness that comes with it by having a dehumidifier installed by your home heating and cooling specialist. Whole-home units work around the clock to keep humidity in check for cleaner, more comfortable air. They are far more efficient than the electric models you often find in basements or crawl spaces, and they require little maintenance to make a big difference.

It can be difficult to balance humidity levels when our Wisconsin climate changes so often, but NATE-certified experts like those at Cliff Bergin can help. Contact us for recommendations to keep humidity levels in a healthy, comfortable range, year-round.