When you notice the coldness in your home disappearing, it may be time to install a humidifier. Perhaps you can’t sleep well, or your throat is sore.
These are all signs that tell you that humidifier installation may be necessary! How do I know if I need a humidifier?
Here are a few signs: You are experiencing persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. Your symptoms have not improved with over-the-counter medications or self-care measures like drinking plenty of fluids and using humidifiers during the winter months. Finally, you may suspect that your allergies or asthma are worsening because of the dry air.
A humidifier can help to improve your symptoms by adding moisture to the air. Evaporative humidifiers use a fan to create a cool mist which is then inhaled by people. Some people find that this type of humidifier is more comfortable than others because it does not Require an outlet like traditional vaporizers do. If you're looking for the best evaporative humidifier for a bedroom, we recommend our top three picks!
How do I know if I need a humidifier? The top 7 signs you need a humidifier to include:
- Hygrometer readings
- Wood Floors and Furniture are Drying Out
- Asthma symptoms
- morning or night time congestion
- dry skin and cracked lips
- nosebleeds
- Pet Behavior
- Constantly using the furnace
Let’s take a deeper dive into these top signs that you need a humidifier.
HYGROMETER READINGS
There is only one way to know how much moisture is in the air. In this case, you’ll want to use a hygrometer.
A hygrometer is a tool that is used to determine the level of humidity in the air. That’s how you find out whether your home falls in the 35-50% range.[1]
It’s used to make sure that the temperature and humidity are regulated appropriately for the needs of your household, your plants, or your artwork.
Drying out of your floorboards and furniture
A humidifier is an excellent investment for your home if it has wood floors or furniture made of wood.
The wood itself is made up of various types of pores. These pores are tiny but porous. When it gets dry, the pore size shrinks, allowing more air to pass through the material rather than absorbing moisture.
Hardwood flooring manufacturers typically require humidifiers as part of their warranties.
Dry air is not only bad for people. Wood furniture and floors are also at risk.
Any moisture that is available in wood will be pulled out by dry air. These issues could cause your floor to creak and your furniture to warp.
help in Asthma symptoms
People with asthma may have an easier time breathing in a humid environment. Some experts suggest that when the humidity level is low, the body may have to work extra hard to compensate for the dry air. This can lead to a buildup of mucus in the respiratory tract and inflammation in the bronchial tubes. In a humid environment, the body doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain moisture, so there is less chance of the lungs reacting to the dry air.
To alleviate asthma symptoms, an effort should be made to keep the air at the perfect humidity level. Humidifiers add moist air to the room by making vapor mist of either warm or cool temperature. In terms of humidity control, air conditioners can play a role, but they need to be properly maintained and regulated to avoid making asthma symptoms worse.
You’re experiencing congestion in the mornings or at night.
You have morning or nighttime congestion when you wake up in the morning with a congested nose or find it difficult to breathe through your nose at night.
Congestion is usually temporary, but if you are consistently waking up with congestion or having trouble breathing at night, it may be another sign that you need a humidifier.
It’s not something you should have to worry about every day.
Have trouble breathing or experiencing any kind of congestion due? You may need a humidifier!
However, not everyone with congestion needs to humidify their home.
dry skin and cracked lips
If you are prone to having dry skin and cracked lips, the best solution is to use a humidifier to help your skin stay moisturized.[2]
It can be frustrating when your skin is dry and not responding to lotion or other hydration, but sometimes the problem could be related to the air in your home.
Using a humidifier at night or during the day can make a big difference if you’re struggling with dry air.
It can be tricky to manage at first, but you’ll quickly learn how to use your humidifier.[link]
You may not need to use a humidifier full-time. However, it’s essential to maintain optimal humidity levels for your air quality.
nosebleeds experience
Nosebleeds are a symptom of a condition called a sinus infection. This condition is caused by a buildup of mucus, which blocks the sinuses and leads to diminished blood flow.
Getting nosebleeds is possible if you don’t usually get them. One way to avoid this problem is to take care of your sinuses, such as using saline water to clean out the sinuses and by using a humidifier to maintain a moist environment. [3]
PET BEHAVIOR changes
It is important to note that there can be a lot of changes in your pet’s behavior due to the changing weather.[4]
Some animals might feel more uncomfortable in dry and hot environments. Animals can also become susceptible to changes in their airways, and in extreme cases, this could lead to respiratory problems.
It is crucial to not only look out for behavioral changes but also for any medical complications related to these changes.
Using Your Furnace Constantly
The time of year is a significant factor in determining whether you need a humidifier. You will likely remove a lot of moisture from the air as you heat your home with a heater during the colder months. Conditions in your house can often lead to this problem, with a lack of ventilation being a major factor.
According to the EPA, your home should have a humidity rate between 30 and 50 percent.[5]
When condensation forms on your windows, or if your home seems to be perpetually damp, it is crucial to determine the cause.
FAQ of How do I know if I need a humidifier
If you live in a dry climate, your skin and sinuses may feel better with a humidifier. Other signs that you might need a humidifier in your home include static electricity, drying out of wood furnishings and houseplants, and increased susceptibility to colds and respiratory infections.
A humidifier removes moisture from your air and prevents your cough from drying out. If you can’t get enough humidity in your home, then your lungs will dry out and become irritated, causing a dry cough.
Humidifiers help provide relief from cough and congestion.
They also increase humidity levels which decrease symptoms of dryness such as itchy throat, scratchy nasal passages, or cracked lips.
By humidifying the air, you can prevent dryness that might cause irritation in many parts of your body. It is especially beneficial to use humidifiers to treat dry skin, nose, throat, and lips. Humidifiers can also reduce the symptoms of flu and colds.
Humidifiers are used to relieve congestion and dryness in the nose. Congestion is caused by a build-up of mucus, while dryness is brought on by a decrease in moisture levels in the nasal passages. Common symptoms of both conditions include a stuffy nose, headache, and difficulty breathing. A humidifier can help to alleviate these symptoms by supplying moisture to the nasal passages.
Do you Absolute need humidifiers? {how do i know if i need a humidifier}
It’s essential to know the warning signs of dryness.
If you notice your skin is turning dry and scaling or your nose starts to crack or itch.
Unfortunately, many of these signs Show that you need a humidifier.
Your indoor air quality affects your health in many different ways but is especially important for anyone who has allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues.
You’ve thought about purchasing a humidifier but don’t know what to look for? Please read our guide of best Humidifiers.
Want to learn more about the benefits of a humidifier for your home? Please read our blog.
To determine if you need a humidifier, you must first answer two simple questions:
- Do you have indoor air that is too dry? If so, then a humidifier will help you.
- Does your indoor air have the proper relative humidity level? If not, you need to humidify.
AUTHOR
Robert Smith is an HVAC specialist with 9 years of experience, excelling in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Throughout his career, he has tackled intricate installations and complex HVAC issues. His deep insights and commitment to sharing knowledge help homeowners and professionals achieve optimal indoor air quality and comfort. Robert is dedicated to continuous learning in the ever-evolving HVAC industry.
