A humidifier can be a great device, improving the amount of moisture in your house. This can be vital in drier parts of the country. However, it can be hard to know whether you need to invest in one of these devices. Let’s look at some of the signs that it might be the right time to get a humidifier.
1. Dry And Irritable Skin
One of the most common signs that you might need to add a humidifier to your home is that you have dry skin. When there’s not enough moisture in the air, it’s common for the skin to dry out. This can produce a range of symptoms. For example, you might find that your skin is becoming itchier. It’s also possible that your airways might dry out.
As you can imagine, if this continues for long enough, you might find that your health is impacted. For example, some people might get nosebleeds because of the lack of moisture. In other cases, you might notice that your lips are becoming cracked and chapped. In severe cases, lack of moisture can be responsible for coughing fits, which might make it harder to get a good night’s sleep. If you still have these problems after installing a humidifier, it might be a good idea to talk to a doctor.
2. Worsening Allergies
One of the biggest benefits of using a humidifier is that you’ll be able to overcome diseases. For example, they might be able to ease the coughing associated with the common cold. Humidifiers do this by breaking up the mucus that can form in your nose and throat. The increased moisture levels will also allow you to lubricate the nasal passages, so it will be easier for you to breathe. As a result, if you are having more difficulty breathing or have a cold, you might want to check the humidity in the room.
3. Cracks In The Wood
Sometimes, you might notice the effects of low humidity in your house. This is especially common if you have a lot of wood furniture. In dry environments, the moisture will be sucked out of the wood. As a result, you will often notice cracks starting to appear. At first, they will only be small. But the longer that the low humidity conditions continue the worse the cracking will become.
This has the potential to be a major concern. In some cases, cracking in the wood will lead to structural concerns. If the crack gets too big, you might need to call in a professional to fix it for you. If you need to do this, it will often be a very expensive problem to solve.
4. Static Electricity
Another potential warning sign is a rise in the amount of static electricity in the room. When the air is drier, it will carry an electric charge easier. You might be able to spot these changes in the way that your hair or clothing reacts to the room. In some cases, you might grab onto a metal doorknob or handle and accidentally zap yourself. Generally, you won’t get enough electricity to do any real damage. However, it can still be an unpleasant sensation. Often, static electricity will be more significant during the winter months, when the air naturally starts to dry out.
5. You Use The Heater Frequently
Sometimes the things that you do in the house can determine whether you need a humidifier. In this case, how often you use a heater during the colder winter months. When you are using these devices, you’ll be removing moisture from the air, as you heat it artificially. This issue can often be exacerbated by the conditions in your house. For example, many people like to close the windows when they are using the heater. This reduces your electricity costs, as the hot air isn’t escaping outside. However, it can also reduce the airflow in the room, drying out the air even more. Thankfully, putting in a humidifier will be able to help you reduce the impact that the heater is having, allowing you to add moisture back to the room so that you feel comfortable again.
6. Changes In Pet Behavior
You might also want to be attentive to the changes in pet behavior. When the humidity starts to drop, they will feel more uncomfortable. In some cases, their airways will start to dry out. This can lead to wheezing and sneezing. It’s also possible that they will become thirstier. If this is the case, you’ll need to act quickly, to keep them healthy. If these symptoms continue, you might want to take them to the vet for a more thorough assessment.
7. Soil Drying Out
Low humidity can also impact on your plants. In some cases, you might notice that the soil is drying out faster and you need to water more frequently. Another potential warning sign is that the leaves are drying out faster. This can cause them to fall from the plant prematurely. If you don’t address this, the plants will start to experience slower growth. They might even be at a higher risk of dying off.
8. Hygrometer Readings Are Low
While we’ve discussed some of the most common signs of low humidity, there is only one way to truly know how much moisture in the air. In this case, you’ll want to use a hygrometer. This is a simple device that measures the humidity of the room. In most cases, you’ll be able to find one in a hardware store. If not, you’ll be able to find one online. Generally, these devices will be very inexpensive, costing less than $30.
When you have the hygrometer, get it set up in the room. They will come with an instruction manual to help you do this. Once it’s ready, check the readout. The normal humidity levels will be around 30 to 50 percent. However, this can often vary with temperature. For example, if the temperature is under 20 degrees Fahrenheit ( -28 degrees Celsius) you might only want around 15 percent humidity.
To make it easier to control the amount of humidity in your house, most humidifiers will come with an in-built hygrometer. If the humidity levels are getting too high, the humidifier will turn itself off. When the levels start to drop again, it will turn on. This ensures that you will always have a comfortable level of moisture.
Conclusion
The amount of humidity in your home can have a big impact on how comfortable you feel. It can affect all parts of your life. Everything from how easy it is to breathe, to how your pets are feeling can be influenced. Thankfully, it’s easy to maintain the correct amount of humidity. All you’ll need to do is purchase a humidifier. However, with dozens of options available, it can be difficult for you to know what types of things you should be looking for. For some excellent tips, check out this warm mist humidifier for home comparison. So, take control of the moisture levels in your home today, to create the optimal environment for you and your pets.
