Humidity describes the amount of moisture or water vapor present in the air. Warm air can support a higher volume of water vapor than cold air. When you heat your Casselberry, Florida, home in the winter, relative humidity levels can drop dramatically. Dry household air can cause dry noses, throats, lips, and skin, and cause discomfort for allergy and cold sufferers. Discover the following seven tips for using a humidifier to help you counteract uncomfortably dry air inside your home.
Keep a Humidifier Out of Especially Humid Zones
Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms can hold in humidity in greater amounts than in other areas of your home. Place a humidifier in an area that receives good air flow and circulation.
Check Your Hygrometer Before Use
Use a humidifier only when the air feels dry or a hygrometer, a tool used to measure humidity, indicates a relative humidity level below 30 percent.
Remove Buildups in Your Humidifier
Don’t let a film or scale build up in your humidifier. If you don’t remove mineral scale, the water you use won’t vaporize properly, and your humidifier could stop working.
Empty the Water Tank Every Day
Empty the water tank daily and make sure all surfaces are dry before refilling it with fresh water. If possible, use distilled water to minimize any mineral scale buildups.
Keep an Eye on Airflow
To make sure your humidifier receives the proper airflow, don’t place the unit in the corner of a room or block it with a large piece of furniture.
Clean It Before You Store It
If you decide to turn off and store your humidifier, make sure you drain any water out of the unit and clean it thoroughly before storing it for a long period of time. Bacteria can easily collect and grow in stagnant water.
Use Manufacturer-Recommended Products Only
When you need to clean or replace a wick in your humidifier, only use products recommended by the manufacturer.
At E.C. Waters Air Conditioning & Heat, we connect homeowners with products that can help you maintain a healthy level of indoor air quality. Contact our HVAC services team to learn more at (407) 603-9144.
