Humidifiers 101

Humidity is defined as the amount of moisture (water vapor) in the environmental air. Most individuals feel comfortable when the relative humidity averages between 35-60 percent. When the humidity gets low like in the winter, many individuals will develop a dry mouth, dry itchy skin, lips, and throat. Low humidity also causes damage to the home by increasing static electricity, cracks in the walls, floors, and peeling of wallpaper. On the other hand, high humidity can cause difficulty breathing nasal congestion, extreme stickiness of the body. Persistent high humidity also causes mold and dust mites to thrive. These mild and dust mites later cause problems with allergies and generalized illness. To make the home environment more comfortable, one either adds or decreases humidity

Today, there are a variety of thermometers which can immediately indicate the humidity in the home.

The most convenient way of adding moisture to the home air is with the use of a home humidifier. Individuals who use bronchodilator medications or have lung disorders like COPD, Emphysema or cystic fibrosis may benefit significantly from the use of humidifiers. For those individuals who do not have an already installed humidifier with the AC, there are a variety of portable devices available