Lower your heating bills this winter and eliminate the discomforts that accompany dry winter air by using an energy-efficient and easy-care whole-house humidifier.

Home humidification 

Should you invest in a whole-house humidifier or a portable humidifier? Use the following points to explore humidification options for your home.

• Since dry air feels colder than optimally humidified air (45 to 60 percent), you may find that you can lower your thermostat 2 to 4 degrees, enjoy better comfort and warmth, and save 8 to 16 percent on heating costs, according to statistics provided by the federal Energy Savers program. On the other hand, portable humidifiers are only capable of humidifying a room or small area, which has little impact, if any, on lowering heating costs.
• Whole-house humidifiers are easy to maintain. You should change or wash the media panel two times a year, and that’s all. Water supply and drainage are provided via your home’s plumbing system automatically. Portable humidifiers require daily monitoring of the water level and control settings. Many portable humidifiers must be cleaned weekly to prevent the spread of bacteria and mold spores through your home.
• One annoying side effect of dry winter air is static electric shocks. When enough electrical charges accumulate on dry surfaces, static-electric shocks can occur. Whole-house humidifiers blanket the surfaces in your home with moisture, which helps prevent or alleviate static electric shocks. Shocks are known to cause damage to sensitive electronics like computers, phones and other devices. Portable humidifiers are completely incapable of providing whole-house coverage and protection from static electricity.
• Humidified air is more comfortable for loved ones with respiratory issues, like asthma and allergies. Portable humidifiers may provide relief in one room, but not the entire household like whole-house systems. Other health issues related to dry air are dehydration, sore throat, dry nasal passages and fatigue. All of these can be prevented or relieved by optimal home humidification.

If you would like to enjoy optimal home comfort this winter season with a whole-house humidifier, contact Smoky Mountain Heating & Air and speak with one of our expert technicians to discuss your best options. We provide exceptional HVAC service and installation for homeowners in the Asheville area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Asheville, North Carolina and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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