Pros and Cons of Owning a Whole-House Humidifier

Do you sometimes wake up on an otherwise beautiful morning to dry air, noisy cupboards, an itchy neck, and static garments? If you answered yes, then your home probably needs a humidifier.

Perhaps you’ve used a room diffuser before, but have you ever considered a whole-house humidifier? If you’re unsure of what these whole-house humidifiers offer, read on to find out if they’re the right choice for you.

How Does a Whole-House Humidifier Function?

A humidifier is a device that increases humidity in your home when the airflow inside and outdoors becomes too dry. Often, they are small freestanding units that plug into a wall socket and may be turned on and off as needed.

Conversely, a whole-house humidifier is put in your ductwork near the HVAC equipment. It’s directly linked to your home’s water supply, so when the humidifier is running, water runs through it and then dissipates into the air, boosting humidity levels.

There are numerous types of whole-house humidifiers, so if you decide to get one, you should discuss your options with us at [company name]. We’ll help you select the model that best matches your home in Springfield, OR elsewhere in Lane County.

How Utilizing a Humidifier Can Benefit Your Health

In general, air is usually drier during winter than in summer. With the heating indoors, this grows even worse and may affect your health. When the air is overly dry, it can produce sinus congestion, nasal discomfort, bloody nose, dry and itchy skin, or cracked lips. On the other hand, if it’s excessively moist, it might be a breeding medium for hazardous germs, mold, and mildew. When used appropriately, a humidifier can be an efficient tool to maintain the optimum moisture level in your house.

The Benefits of a Whole-House Humidifier

There are many advantages of using a whole-home humidifier. Let’s consider a few of them we’ve outlined below.

Automatic Humidity Management

Dry air is not healthy, and neither is extreme moisture. The recommended humidity level is between 30% and 50%. With a whole-house humidifier, it’s easy to choose your desired humidity level.

Low Upkeep

There’s essentially no maintenance with a whole-house humidifier except for a periodic filtration change. At that point, it would be advisable to wipe the equipment out and clear it of mineral particles.

Improved Indoor Air Quality

As previously discussed, appropriate humidity can be very beneficial for health. Breathing healthy air will aid you with respiratory difficulties and boost your immune system. Besides benefiting your health, properly humidified air also helps preserve wood floors, wood furniture, and other home features.

Quiet and Invisible Operation

Unlike portable humidifiers, which are typically audible and visible, whole-house humidifiers are camouflaged since they are integrated into the HVAC system. In addition, they make no noise.

Intrinsic Value

A whole-house humidifier is an asset. Installing one will improve your property value should you end up selling your home in the future.

What Are The Disadvantages of a Whole-Home Humidifier?

There are fewer disadvantages of a whole-house humidifier than advantages. However, we should still highlight them so that you can make an informed decision.

Necessity for Professional Installation

Putting in a portable humidifier is as simple as taking it out of the package, filling it with water, and turning it on. In contrast, installing a whole-house humidifier requires the expertise of a professional HVAC contractor. It’s not a DIY project.

Possible Mildew and Mold Growth

The growth of mildew and mold is possible if the HVAC system and humidifier are not properly maintained. Mold can cause coughing, sneezing, and irritated eyes. Those with respiratory issues and allergies could be adversely affected. Of course, simple maintenance prevents this.

Cost

The up-front expenditure is the principal disadvantage of a whole-house humidifier relative to a portable device. Depending on quality, the prices range from $150 to $800. And because the equipment requires proper installation, you must add between $250 and $500 to that. The total expense would range from $400 to $1,300.

On the other hand, a whole-house humidifier is cost-effective in the long run because it uses significantly less electricity, covers the entire residence, and requires very little maintenance. In addition, a whole-house humidifier has a lifespan of around 10 years, whereas portable humidifiers only last between two and five years.

Consult With the Experts

If you’re considering installing a whole-house humidifier, contact us at Jco Heating A/C Electrical for honest advice. Our technicians always provide excellent customer service and quality craftmanship. We install, maintain and repair the full range of heating, cooling, and indoor air quality equipment in Springfield, OR and beyond. Call us today to get started.