Humidifiers

What is humidity?

Humidity represents the amount of water vapor that’s present in the air. This means that the air in humid areas is relatively wetter or moist than the air in areas with low humidity. Humans are generally most comfortable and healthy when humidity levels are between 40-60% relative humidity.

How to measure humidity?

Most of the smart thermostats has an ability to measure humidity in the area where it is installed. Another option is to get a humidity measuring device called Hygrometer. They are inexpensive and can accurately tell humidity levels inside the house.

Do I need a humidifier?

If your humidity reading is around or under 30% and you have any of the symptoms listed below, there is a very high chance you need a humidifier.

  • Bloody noses
  • Chapped and cracked lips
  • Dry, itchy skin and eyes
  • Cold and flu symptoms
  • Itchy throat
  • Dry, cracking wood and furniture
  • Static electricity
  • Allergy and asthma flare-ups

Types of humidifiers

There are many different types of humidifiers that will range from $20 to $2000. There are cool mist, warm mist, ultrasonic, evaporative and vaporizers.

Mist and ultrasonic humidifiers tend to be portable and are able to produce small amount of humidity. Those types of humidifiers will cover 1 room at most. They need constant refill, clean and are not anywhere as effective as whole house humidifiers.

The most effective ones are duct mounted whole house steam (vaporizers) and evaporative humidifiers. They are mounted in the mechanical room and connected to the furnace plenum. Evaporative humidifiers are the most common option for houses up to 4000sq ft. Steam humidifiers are the most effective ones and will supply enough vapor to humidify large houses (up to 6200sq ft.). Both types of humidifiers are controlled either by the smart thermostat or the humidistat that will read inside house humidity and will adjust accordingly.

If you are experiencing low humidity symptoms, call Kai’s Heat & Cool Inc. to 331-218-5364 and be guaranteed to receive professional service, advise and installation.