Considering adding a humidifier to your Portland home when you’re currently trying to escape the humidity outdoors this summer may seem like the last thing you want to do. However, truly the best time to consider how to make sure your indoor air quality is healthy and comfortable when the air becomes drier this fall and winter.
You may not have known this, but how comfortable you feel inside has a lot to do with humidity levels. For instance, when it’s really humid in Portland, you’ll notice more people complaining about how hot and uncomfortable it is outside. Air that is too dry can also cause issues, like dry skin, a scratchy throat and annoying shocks from static electricity. Dry air can even raise your likelihood of catching a cold or developing a respiratory illness because it dries out your protective mucous membranes.
Dry air can also affect your home in addition to your body. You may notice wood floors or furniture splitting or warping. You could also have problems with peeling wallpaper and gaps in your baseboards and other molding.
It’s not all bad news, though, because it’s easy to take control of the humidity in your home with a humidifier. A humidifier has the potential to help you lower your energy costs in the winter because drier air feels colder and may cause you to bump up your heat. The right humidity levels can make your home feel warmer at a lower temperature. Adjusting your thermostat even a few degrees can add up to savings on your utility bill.
While you may have known you could control your indoor air quality with ventilation, air filtration or air purification, now you know how big of a role humidity plays in your home comfort. Call Three Rivers Heating & Cooling a call at 503-213-4433 to find out which indoor air quality equipment would be best to keep your home comfort at optimum levels.