In the area where I live, the weather is cold enough to require heating for the majority of the year.
During those chilly months of snow and sub zero temperatures, the outdoor air is naturally very dry.
Inside the house, with the furnace running, the lack of humidity causes all sorts of problems. The dry air pulls moisture out of the hardwood floors, moldings, doors, picture frames, musical instruments and antiques and can cause them to crack. It results in static shock that can potentially damage low voltage electronics. Insufficient humidity dries out nasal passages and makes people more susceptible to respiratory infection. It irritates symptoms of asthma, allergies, psoriasis and eczema and can often be blamed for sore throat, itchy eyes, headaches and bloody noses. Plus, dry air feels colder than properly moisturized air. Low humidity levels encourage higher thermostat settings, increasing strain on the furnace. I end up paying higher energy bills for less comfort. The simple solution is a whole-home humidifier. There are fan-style, bypass and steam-style humidifiers to choose from, each offering different benefits and drawbacks. I chose a steam-style humidifier because it operates independently from the furnace. The heating system doesn’t need to be running in order for the humidifier to introduce moisture into the air. It uses electrodes to turn water into steam, creating a very natural style of humidity. With the humidifier running, the house is far more comfortable. It feels warmer, and my family has less complaints over dry skin. The savings on heating costs has recovered the investment into the purchase and installation of the humidifier. It doesn’t cost much to run and requires only yearly service.