If you live in the Murphysboro, IL area, you’re probably familiar with the dry, winter air that can leave your skin feeling parched and your throat scratchy. It’s no surprise that many people in our region think of buying whole house humidifiers to combat these issues. But are whole house humidifiers worth it?
In this blog, we’ll share the pros and cons of whole home humidification systems to help you make an informed decision for yourself.
How Do Whole House Humidifiers Work?
Before we get into whether whole house humidifiers are worth the investment, let’s first understand how they work. Humidifiers add moisture to the air inside your entire home to improve your indoor air quality. Also called a furnace humidifier or HVAC humidifier, a whole house humidifier is typically installed as part of your existing HVAC system and operates seamlessly to maintain an optimal indoor humidity level.
Whole house humidifiers draw water from your plumbing system, which is then converted into vapor and distributed throughout your home’s ductwork. This ensures that every room receives an even and consistent level of humidity, creating a comfortable and healthier indoor environment for you and your family.
Pros of Whole House Humidifiers
Here’s a bit more on what to expect when you install a whole house humidifier in your home:
Consistent Humidity Levels
Whole house humidifiers excel at ensuring balanced humidity levels throughout your entire home. Unlike portable humidifiers limited to one room, these systems promise uniform humidity distribution at your desired humidity level, providing optimal moisture and indoor air quality across multiple rooms and many square feet.
Health Benefits
Adequate indoor humidity can improve your respiratory health and provide relief from dry skin and irritated throats. Whole house humidifiers are especially beneficial for individuals with allergies and asthma, as they help alleviate symptoms and create a more comfortable living space with proper humidity levels.
Protects Your Home
Maintaining the right humidity levels can protect your home’s structural integrity and furnishings. Dry air can cause wood to crack, paint to peel, and furniture to warp. By investing in a whole house humidifier, you’re safeguarding your home and possessions.
Energy Efficiency
It may come as a surprise, but humidified air feels warmer than dry air. With the help of energy efficient HVAC humidifiers, you can maintain the ideal humidity, which not only increases your comfort but can also lead to reduced heating expenses, allowing you to stay cozy at lower temperatures.
Cons of Whole House Humidifiers
While there are several advantages to installing a whole house humidifier, you also want to consider these drawbacks:
Installation Cost
Unlike with small portable humidifiers, the initial installation cost of whole house humidifiers can be relatively high, as they require professional installation. However, many homeowners consider whole home humidification a smart investment in their home’s comfort and longevity.
Maintenance Required
Like any HVAC system, whole house humidifiers need regular maintenance to function efficiently. Your filter, evaporator pad, and water panel may all need periodic replacement.
Types of Whole House Humidifiers
There are various types of whole home humidifiers to choose from. Bypass humidifiers work with your home’s HVAC system to introduce moisture into the heated air before it’s distributed to every room.
A fan powered humidifier uses a fan to direct air through the water panel, allowing moisture to evaporate and be carried into the ductwork. Steam humidifiers produce steam by heating water electrically. A steam humidifier provides a high level of control over humidity levels and can be a more efficient choice.
Lastly, drum humidifiers employ a rotating drum or belt to collect and disperse moisture. However, they tend to have higher energy consumption and lower efficiency compared to other types.
Humidifier Services from Heartland
At Heartland Heating, Air, and Plumbing, we wholeheartedly endorse the idea that a whole home humidifier is a valuable investment. We believe in their worth and understand the significant improvements they can bring to your home, especially during the dry winter months.
When you’re ready to experience the benefits of the best whole house humidifiers on the market, we’re ready to serve you. Our comprehensive humidifier services are available across Southern Illinois, including areas like Murphysboro, Benton, Carbondale, Carterville, Marion, and more.
Here’s what you can expect when you choose Heartland Heating, Air, and Plumbing for your humidifier needs:
- Professional Humidifier Installation: Your HVAC technician will carefully assess your home’s size and your specific comfort requirements to recommend the best whole house humidifier for you. Our expert installation ensures optimal performance and improved indoor air quality. Don’t forget to ask about our financing options!
- Efficient Humidifier Maintenance: Once your humidifier is installed, you can trust Heartland to provide ongoing maintenance and support. Regular maintenance is crucial to keep your humidifier functioning at its peak. When you invest in routine maintenance for your furnace, we can seamlessly include humidifier maintenance as part of the package.
Improve Your Home’s Comfort with a Whole House Humidifier Today
Don’t let dry air compromise your health and comfort. Contact Heartland Heating, Air & Plumbing today to explore the benefits of a whole house humidifier and take the first step toward creating a healthier and more comfortable living environment for you and your family.
Our dedicated team is ready to assist you, just as we’ve been doing for decades!