Winter brings the cold, and with it, dry air. Companies ply the market with coupons for lotions and the old humidifiers come out of storage.  These portable appliances are easy to use. You just fill the water tank, turn it on and let it run. It’s convenient, but you can’t really control the level of humidity put into the air.

Investing in a whole house humidifier can offer more control and keep the air’s moisture level even throughout the year. This control is nice, but there are many other advantages as well.

Virus Reduction

Winter is prime cold and flu season because the viruses that cause these ailments love dry air. Because the human body is weakened in these sorts of conditions, the germs also have a better chance of infecting us. A reasonable humidity level cuts down on infections by making the environment less friendly to them and friendlier to us.

Comfort Level

Itchy skin, scratchy throats, dry noses and static shocks are all a part of they dry environment winter brings. However, the moisture level in the air can also bring on asthma attacks and aggravate allergies.

Damage Control

Wooden flooring, artwork, musical instruments, plaster and paint all suffer from overly dry conditions. Keeping an even level of humidity throughout the year will lengthen the life of your home and possessions.

Energy Savings

The EPA reports that for every degree you lower your thermostat, you save 4% on your energy bill. When the air is too dry, you won’t necessarily feel warm enough at the same temperature as you would if there was enough moisture in the air. Better yet, installing a whole home humidifier may qualify you for the Green-Built Certification Program run by the National Association of Home Builders.

These humidifiers are available for all types of heating systems and can be easily installed in existing structures. Although there’s nothing you can do about the weather, you can still easily control the environment in your home.