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The Perks of a Whole-House Humidifier Vs a Portable System

Did you know that the humidity levels in your home have a great impact on how comfortable the air temperatures are? You may think that humidity in the air is up to fate–whatever is going on outside your home is what you have to work with inside your home. But that’s not really true.

While your HVAC system does help some to control humidity levels, it can’t add a lot of humidity into your home if there isn’t any. That’s where a whole-house humidifier comes in. If your air is too dry, it can add moisture that you so desperately need to the air. When your home reaches the desired level, the humidifier shuts off until the levels dip down again. 

What to Know About Humidity

Did you know that it’s possible to have too much or too little humidity? There’s a range that is just right for your health and comfort, and that range is 30% to 50% humidity. Levels that are too high can make the air in your home feel heavy or stuffy and lead to mold growth. Levels that are too low can increase your risk of getting sick and negatively impact your health in other ways, too. 

Benefits of a Whole-House Humidifier

You may be tempted to purchase a small, portable humidifier. But then you’ll find yourself moving it from room to room as you try to chase the correct humidity levels around your home. A whole-house humidifier takes away the guesswork and inconvenience of a portable unit. Other benefits include:

  • Automating your humidity control – You choose a setting and then let your humidifier do the work to reach the perfect level of humidity. When your home reaches your predetermined setting, the humidifier shuts off again until the humidity dips too low. 
  • You control the settings – Choosing from 30% to 50% humidity is a pretty big range. You may feel more comfortable at the higher or lower end of that range. You can adjust the humidity settings as much as you need to reach your desired levels. 
  • Decrease chances of mold growth – When your humidity levels get too high it can encourage mold and mildew growth. If you buy a portable unit, you’re guessing at what a comfortable humidity level is, and it may be too high.
  • No water damage – Your whole-house humidifier won’t cause water damage to your home since there are controls to prevent humidity levels that are too high. If one room gets too humid, it can impact the walls, paint, and furniture. 
  • No refilling – A portable humidifier has to be refilled. A whole-house humidifier links directly to your plumbing system so that it can pull in extra water when needed.
  • Quiet operation – The system will make some sounds, but it will be more like white noise. You won’t have to worry about it being loud or obnoxious when it operates. 
  • Increase home value – If you ever sell your home, the value will go up thanks to your whole-house humidifier. It’s a great investment that potential home buyers will see as a huge benefit.
  • Low maintenance – It only needs maintenance once per year, and that’s to replace the evaporator panel filter. Otherwise, it’s a self-sufficient system so you can set it and forget it!

Health Benefits of a Whole-House Humidifier

  • Reduces allergy symptoms and sinus irritation
  • Prevents dry skin and chapped lips
  • Lowers the chance that you’ll get sick from viruses and bacteria in your air

Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning is your trusted resource for Chicagoland area home services. Contact us today!

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