What is a Humidifier in an HVAC system?
A humidifier is a device that adds moisture to dry indoor air during wintertime and in hot, dry climates.
How does a humidifier work?
By adding moisture to the air, humidifiers make your home more comfortable by reducing static electricity, loosening mucus in your nose and throat, and relieving coughs and congestion.
Humidifiers work by using a wick filter soaked in water. As air passes through the wick filter, it picks up moisture and is distributed into the room. The amount of moisture released into the air depends on the type of humidifier you have, as well as the settings you have it on.
What is the purpose of a humidifier in an HVAC system?
The purpose of a humidifier in an HVAC system is to add moisture to the air. This can be beneficial in many ways, such as reducing:
- static electricity,
- loosening mucus in your nose and throat,
- and relieving coughs and congestion.
2 types of humidifiers
There are two types of humidifiers:
- Central humidifiers are built into your home’s heating and cooling system.
- While portable humidifiers can be moved from room to room.
If you’re considering a humidifier for your home, it’s important to choose the right size for the space. A general rule of thumb is that you should have one gallon (3.8 L) of water capacity for every 600 square feet (56 m2) of space.
The benefits of using a humidifier
There are many benefits to using a humidifier in your home, including:
- Reducing static electricity: When the air is too dry, static electricity can build up and cause your hair to stand on end or give you a shock when you touch someone or something. By adding moisture to the air, humidifiers reduce static electricity.
- Loosening mucus in your nose and throat: Dry air can cause the mucus in your nose and throat to thicken and become difficult to expel. This can lead to congestion, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Moist air from a humidifier can help thin the mucus so it’s easier to expel.
- Relieving coughs and congestion: Coughing and congestion are common symptoms of colds and flu. The added moisture from a humidifier can help relieve these symptoms by loosening the mucus in your throat and making it easier to breathe.
- Improving your skin: Dry air can also cause your skin to become dry, cracked, and irritated. By adding moisture to the air, humidifiers can help improve your skin health.
- Reducing snoring: Dry air can contribute to snoring by making the tissues in your throat and nose drier and more likely to vibrate. By adding moisture to the air, humidifiers can help reduce snoring.
Do I need a humidifier in the HVAC system?
If you live in an area with dry air, you may benefit from using a humidifier in your home. Some signs that the air in your home is too dry include:
- static electricity,
- dry skin,
- chapped lips,
- nosebleeds,
- coughing,
- and sneezing.
If you have any of these symptoms, a humidifier can help reduce them by adding moisture to the air.
How do I know if my HVAC has a humidifier?
If your HVAC system has a humidifier, there will be a small tank of water next to the furnace. The humidifier is usually connected to the furnace with a plastic tube.
Are HVAC humidifiers worth it?
The benefits of using a humidifier in your home will depend on the climate you live in and how dry the air is. If you live in an area with very dry air, a humidifier can be beneficial in reducing static electricity, loosening mucus, and relieving coughs and congestion. If you have any of these symptoms, a humidifier may help reduce them.
Best HVAC humidifier
There are many types of humidifiers to choose from, and the best one for you will depend on your needs. Central humidifiers are built into your home’s heating and cooling system, while portable humidifiers can be moved from room to room. If you’re considering a humidifier for your home, it’s important to choose the right size for the space. A general rule of thumb is that you should have one gallon (3.8 L) of water capacity for every 600 square feet (56 m2) of space.
Related Links
Humidifiers: Air moisture eases skin, breathing symptoms
Related Videos
Should You Put A Humidifier In Your Bedroom?
Vicks Starry Night Cool Mist Humidifier Review
How to Choose a Humidifier - DadLabs Video
How to clean a humidifier
Best Humidifiers in 2018 - Which Is The Best Humidifier?
5 Benefits of Sleeping with A Cool Mist Humidifier
How to Install a Whole-House Humidifier
Humidifier Buying Guide (Interactive Video) | Consumer Reports
-
Should You Put A Humidifier In Your Bedroom?
-
Vicks Starry Night Cool Mist Humidifier Review
-
How to Choose a Humidifier - DadLabs Video
-
How to clean a humidifier
-
Best Humidifiers in 2018 - Which Is The Best Humidifier?
-
5 Benefits of Sleeping with A Cool Mist Humidifier
-
How to Install a Whole-House Humidifier
-
Humidifier Buying Guide (Interactive Video) | Consumer Reports