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Q: Why is my throat so dry?
A: Dry air in your home can make
your throat feel dry, and cause or aggravate respiratory ailments. The American
Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
recommends
that your home maintain a humidity level between 30-60%. During extremely cold
weather, your home loses humidity to the outdoors and may drop to as low as 10%.
A humidifier adds moisture to your indoor air, and can help relieve ailments
related to dry respiratory membranes.
HEALTH CONCERNS
Conditioning the amount of moisture in the air is necessary for your family’s
health. One of the major causes of respiratory infections is inadequate
humidification during cold weather. The start of the heating season each fall
causes many people to begin having repeated attacks of winter colds. Winter
weather is blamed for these problems, but the actual cause may be dryness which
develops in the membranes of the nose, throat and bronchial tubes. Relative
humidity also has a significant effect on controlling the occurrence of airborne
infections.
OTHER CONCERNS
Dry air can cause more than health problems. Static electricity is a direct
result of very dry air. And houseplants can suffer from the “winter drought”
caused by low humidity levels. A humidifier can help keep the indoor air
comfortably moist, despite conditions of low outdoor humidity.
HUMIDIFIER BENEFITS
With central heating, people are confined indoors with unnaturally dry air for
many months each year. Humidifiers help to keep comfortable levels of moisture
in the air, and properly maintained levels of humidity are beneficial for your
respiratory system.
Whole-house humidifiers work like old-fashioned room humidifiers: they put
moisture into the air, making harsh, dry air easier to breathe. And whole-house
humidifiers use water mist instead of hot steam, which keeps the entire house at
a desired humidity level. No more carrying a humidifier from room to room in the
winter.
A humidifier is installed in the ductwork, right beside your furnace. Just
select the desired amount of humidity and enjoy the moist air that circulates
through your home this winter.
HOW MUCH WATER DOES A HUMIDIFIER USE?
Depending on the model you choose and the size of your home, a humidifier uses
from 1.5 to 12 gallons per day when the furnace is operating. This minimal
amount of water is enough to raise the humidity to your desired level, but not
enough for you to even notice a difference on your water bill.
CHOOSING A HUMIDIFIER THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU
There are a few factors you should take into consideration when purchasing a
humidifier for your home.
Consider size. A humidifier’s capacity, or the amount of moisture it can
dispense in a given time, should match your particular household’s needs. The
capacity is measured as gallons per day of operation. One method that is used to
determine the correct size humidifier for your home is by multiplying the total
floor area in square feet by the ceiling height. A reputable HVAC dealer can
also provide you with additional ways in which you can determine which unit best
suits your needs.
Consider cost. Consider not only the purchase price of the unit, but the
operating and maintenance costs as well. Some models consume more energy than
others, so choosing a model that is right for your home and budget is extremely
important. Regular maintenance is necessary to keep your humidifier in top
working condition.
HUMIDIFIER INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE
Installing a humidifier is an easy job if you are replacing your furnace. But
you can have a humidifier fitted to your current system with minimal labor,
since it is installed in the ductwork. It’s also important to properly
maintain your humidifier to avoid potential bacterial growth. Periodic cleaning
and draining of the reservoir is strongly recommended.
QUALITY DEALERS YOU CAN COUNT ON
Your home comfort system should include enhancements that improve indoor air
quality. Ask your dealer about the complete line of indoor air quality solutions
from Lennox. Your family’s health and comfort are a priority, and working
together, we can help to provide you with a “breath of fresh air.”
Call Sunbelt Heating and Air Conditioning today about updating your home comfort system. The
benefits you’ll feel and see will be worth it!
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