Overly dry air in your home can affect your health in several ways. From irritated eyes and sinus to respiratory and dry skin conditions, dry air can cause various symptoms. It can also improve the risks and symptoms of some illnesses.
According to EPA, the ideal humidity level in a home should be between 30-50 percent. A good humidity level will reduce airborne bacteria, dust mites, viruses, and fungi.
A whole house humidifier is the best solution to humidify your home and keep it at an optimum level. If you’re looking to get a whole-house humidifier, here are some pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Pros of Whole House Humidifiers
1. Better Humidity Control
Unlike portable humidifiers, with whole-house humidifiers, you have better control over the humidity level in your home. This is because whole-house humidifiers are installed as part of your existing HVAC system. Therefore they humidify your whole house without leaving blind spots anywhere.
To match a whole house humidifier, buy more than one unit or drag one to different rooms to help combat dry air. This is a waste of money, time, and energy, which is made more accessible by a whole-house humidifier.
2. Improved Health & Comfort
Like portable humidifiers, the whole house humidifier combat dries the air in your home. However, whole-house humidifiers are more efficient, improving your home’s comfort and health levels. Because they serve the whole house automatically, you can rest and be assured of better results.
3. No Need for Refills
Whole house humidifiers are liked directly to your plumbing system. This way, once installed, the system will not need water refills to keep it running. You can rest and let the whole house humidifier take care of your home’s humidity without worry.
With portable humidifiers, you must regularly add water to the tank to keep it working correctly. This is a minor inconvenience which you have to deal with to keep it running.
4. Quiet and Invisible
A whole house humidifier is usually mounted on the return side of your existing heating and cooling system setup. This is usually hidden from sight, so nobody knows it is there. Its operation is also quiet, unlike some portable humidifiers that come with fans and are noisy.
5. Can Improve the Value of Your Home
Installing a whole house humidifier can add to the value of your home when you consider selling it. As a buyer is looking for a home, upgrades like whole house humidifiers are considered. This increases both the marketability and cost of your home.
Cons of Whole House Humidifiers
1. Costlier to Buy and Install
One of the major disadvantages of whole-house humidifiers is the initial cost and installation process. Compared to portable humidifiers, you pay much more at the start. However, on a positive note, it’s a better investment if you think about the number of portable units you’ll buy over time.
Aside from the initial purchase cost, you will also need an expert to install the unit. This will add to the total cost needed to make it start working. However, the good thing is that all these costs can be made up with a rise in the resale value or non-quantifiable returns like better home air, a healthier family, and improved comfort.
2. Maintenance
Like portable humidifiers, mineral deposits and other particles build up inside the humidifier. With whole-house humidifiers, the buildup will be substantial and may require regular maintenance.