How Can Controlled Humidity Lead to Greater Energy Savings?

We all know too much humidity can cause mold to grow in the home, and that this can especially be a problem in bathrooms, but too little humidity can also be bad for home comfort levels, and also for energy bills. Heating and cooling the house is one of the main monthly expenses involved in running a home, and it can often be quite difficult to keep the temperature just right so it pleases all the occupants. This can be especially tricky during the winter months when a drop in the outside temperatures can lead to heartfelt requests to turn up the thermostat, but is turning up the heat really the answer? 

Humidity Levels Need to Be Balanced When You Heat Your Home

When the thermostat is kept high then the humidity levels can drop quite dramatically during the winter months but this won't necessarily lead to increased home comfort and extra warmth. Some people don't realize that the humidity in the air inside the house controls the amount of heat the property will hold. If the air is more humid it can hold more heat, and this makes humidity an extremely important factor in home comfort. If your home is especially dry during the winter months then your heat pump or boiler will need to work harder to maintain the temperature as the drier air simply cannot hold as much heat as you'd like. One solution is to simply place a lot of bowls of water around your house to try and increase humidity levels, but this really is a bit basic and should only ever be considered as a stopgap until you can get a proper system in place.

Using a Whole Home Humidifier

If your home is exceptionally dry then a whole home humidifier is definitely the best way to go. There are so many different types on the market so it's best to consult a qualified professional who will be able to tell you the size and type that is right for your home. It is easily installed by your heating and cooling technician and is designed to deliver the perfect level of humidity to increase home comfort. You'll notice you and your family feel more comfortable even though the thermostat is lower, leading to greater energy savings. Turning down your thermostat by just 1° could save you up to 4% on your heating bill.

Increased Home Humidity Can Lead to Better Health for Your Family

If your home is exceptionally dry then you and your family may have noticed a number of unpleasant symptoms. Allergies can be aggravated, you're likely to suffer from more sore throats, and may notice your skin has dry patches. Anyone with asthma is likely to notice their symptoms increase. Even worse, some viruses can thrive in low humidity so you're at increased risk of catching respiratory ailments such as colds and flu. You'll notice the difference soon after installing a whole home humidifier, as it's likely you'll enjoy a better night’s sleep and will generally feel more comfortable. It is also healthier for your home, as a lack of humidity can increase the risk of wooden floors splitting, or wooden furniture becoming damaged.