To humidify or not to humidify...that is the question. I just moved to Raleigh, NC and I know nothing about humidifiers and dehumidifiers, so can you tell me a little bit about both? I’m trying to figure out which I need for my home, or if I even need one at all. Thanks. – Richard, Raleigh, NC
Richard, Raleigh, NC
Here is a rundown on humidifiers and dehumidifiers.
Humidifiers add moisture to the air.
Your heating system can dry out the air in your home. If the air becomes too dry, you may experience irritating static “shocks,” an uncomfortably dry throat and, in severe cases, even nose bleeds. This is most commonly associated with gas and oil heating, but heat pump and electric heating can cause these effects as well. If you are experiencing any discomfort from excessively dry air, incorporating a humidifier into your HVAC system may help. There are many different types and models on the market, so to ensure you select the correct model for your heating source, have a comfort specialist analyze your specific needs.
Dehumidifiers remove additional moisture from the air.
Your home air conditioning system is actually a large dehumidifier designed to manage temperature. When it is humid outside, but not necessarily hot enough to need air conditioning, your home can become humid and feel warm and stuffy inside. Typical reaction is to turn the thermostat temperature down to cool your home, when in reality, dehumidifying would be a more efficient remedy.
Some of the newer air conditioning systems on the market have humidity control features. If you’re not ready to upgrade your system, consider using a whole house dehumidifier in conjunction with your current system or on its own. A whole house dehumidifier operates through your existing duct work to maintain a comfortable humidity level in your home. With a system that controls humidity, in addition to temperature, you can usually set your thermostat a couple degrees higher than normal because as the moisture is removed from the air, it gets drier and feels cooler. This can save energy and money on your utility bill.
There you have it. Humidifier and dehumidifier 101. Hope it helps.