Health Benefits of Humidifiers

Did you know that the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CHMC) recommends that your home maintain a humidity level anywhere between 40 and 60 percent? During extremely cold weather, your home loses humidity to the outdoors and these levels may drop as low as 10 percent. This just goes to show that during these cool months the air in your home can be as dry as the Sahara Desert! This is where using a humidifier to put moisture back into the air can benefit you and your family.

Here are some of the health benefits of using a humidifier during the winter:

• Reduce Risk of Infections - Viruses and bacteria can’t travel as well in moist air. A 2013 study showed that increasing humidity levels to 43 percent or above significantly reduced the ability of airborne viruses to cause flu infections. In fact, in a low humidity environment, 70-77 percent of viruses could transmit the disease through coughs, but when the humidity was increased to 43 percent or more, that number dropped to only 14 percent.

• Faster healing times - A humidifier can shorten your suffering by keeping your nasal passages and your throat moist. This can help you heal faster, and will reduce symptoms like coughing and sneezing.

• Softer, more vibrant skin - Cold, dry air saps moisture from your skin, which causes all kinds of problems, including dryness, dullness, flaking, and accelerated ageing. A humidifier can help prevent all these damaging effects.

Dry air can also cause problems for your home. Here are some benefits to having proper humidity in your home:

• Healthier Houseplants - Plants can help pull toxins out of the air. But they can suffer in the dry, winter air. If you have you noticed that the soil is dryer than usual or the leaves looking droopy and sick, a humidifier can help keep your houseplants healthy—which helps keep you healthy, too!

• Protected Wood Furnishings - Dry air can damage wood furniture causing them to split and crack. A humidifier can help preserve the integrity of the wood, maintaining your pieces for years to come.

• Reduced Heating Bill - Did you know that moist air feels warmer than dry air? If you add some moisture to the air, it will feel warmer, which can help you save on your heating bills this winter.

  While humidifiers are great for you for a number of reasons, they do need to be cleaned regularly. Otherwise, they can become a source of bacteria and mould, which you don’t want floating around your home.

Here are some tips to help keep your humidifier clean:

• Use Distilled or Demineralized Water - Regular tap water has minerals that create buildup in your machine and can promote bacterial growth. Distilled and demineralized water contains fewer minerals and will save you from having to clean as often.

• Routinely Clean - If you make this a regular part of your cleaning routine, you’ll be able to get it done quickly and will keep your home healthy.

• Change Filters Regularly - If your humidifier has a filter, follow the manufacturer’s directions for changing it.

It should also be noted that too much humidity can be just as problematic as not enough. Too much humidity can cause mould. To keep your home at the ideal level, use a “hygrometer” (you can find one at home improvement and electronics stores) to measure the humidity in your home.

If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to call Triple Tech to learn how our advanced whole-house humidifiers can improve your air quality and comfort for your home. 705-333-8324.