Being comfortable at home is almost always a priority for everyone. It’s where you go to relax, enjoy each other’s company, and of course sleep. Part of maintaining a comfortable home environment is controlling your humidity levels. On average, the typical humidity inside should be between 30%-50%. Too much or too little moisture in the air can lead to health problems or structural damage to your home. Humidifiers or dehumidifiers are machines that are meant to help control the humidity in your home. So, it is important to know the difference between the two to find out which one you may need.

Humidifiers: 

These function by putting moisture into the air, either through a mist or vapor. By increasing the humidity in your home, you can prevent health problems such as a sore throat or dry skin. Just distinguish which type of air you prefer as there are two types of humidifiers, warm mist and cool mist. Humidifiers are often used in the winter months.

Dehumidifiers: 

These machines function by drawing excess water from the air while circulating drier air back into the space around it. High humidity areas foster an environment for mold and dust mites, causing problems for anyone with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory problems. A dehumidifier helps to reduce the amount of moisture in the air. Dehumidifiers are often used in the summer months.

Now you may be asking “how do I know if I need one?” Mostly, the answer is simple. Look for condensation on your windows to identify high humidity levels. Low humidity levels can be identified if you are experiencing health issues like sinus problems or extremely dry skin.

Unfortunately, outdoor weather can affect your indoor humidity levels. High/low humidity levels will surface in the summer/winter months. The decision to choose either a humidifier or dehumidifier depends on the condition of your home and your personal preference. Choosing the right one will help you ensure you have the right amount of moisture in the air.

If you have any questions or are considering installing either machine, contact Nelson’s Heating & Cooling at 757-566-7014.