The lack of humidity in the Midwest is a problem this time of year. Dry skin, itchy eyes, static electricity, and irritated sinuses and throat are all signs that your home may need a healthy dose of humidity. Luckily for you, whole house humidifiers could offer a solution. We’ve come up with a couple common objections to whole house units to help clear the air, and we’ve also laid out the different types of units to make your decision that much easier.
A portable unit will do just fine, right?
Not necessarily. A portable unit will humidify a small area such as a room. You will need to buy a unit for each room in your home or decide which rooms need them the most. Portable units also require you to refill the reservoir daily. Depending on the kind of unit you get, you may have to change out filters on a semi-regular basis, as well as clean the system regularly. On the other hand, a whole house unit can require maintenance as little as once per year, and the reservoir is filled automatically.
Do Built in humidifiers lead to mold?
They do not. With the high humidity and temperatures that the summer brings, mold is much more likely to be a concern than in your 70 degree, humidified home. A humidity level of 30-50% is desirable, but as the temperature drops to below freezing, the humidity level needs to drop as well to prevent potential moisture issues.
Ideal humidity Levels Compared to Outdoor Temperatures
| Outside Temperature | Indoor Relative Humidity Level |
| 10-20°F | No more than 35% |
| 0-10°F | No more than 30% |
| -10-0°F | No more than 25% |
| -20-10°F | No more than 20% |
Finding the balance between eliminating nosebleed and preventing excess condensation shouldn’t be difficult. If water or ice starts to appear on your windows, lower your humidity levels.
Whole Home Bypass Humidifiers
The bypass humidifier is a whole home humidifier that connects to your existing ductwork and provides excellent humidity control for your home! Winter can bring not only bitter cold but also harsh dry air. The Healthy Climate Solutions® humidifier, by Lennox can help protect your natural wood floors, cabinets, or anything else in your home that is vulnerable to cracking or warping due to dry climates. Unlike some portable indoor air quality systems on the market, Healthy Climate® humidifiers make your home healthier without producing ozone, a toxic gas that can irritate the lungs
Humidity Experts
If you have humidity issues and want us to come diagnose your issue, get in touch with one of our residential Comfort Consultants today. You can fill out the form on our website or give us a call at 712-252-3007. We have service that suits you!