Your Top 5 Whole-Home Humidifier Questions – Answered

Over the next couple of weeks, Northeast Ohio will start to settle into fall. Outside, we’ll enjoy vibrant leaves, deep blue skies and crisp autumn air. Indoors, life will be cozy and comfy… unless your home has a humidity problem. If your home’s relative humidity (rH) is consistently below 40%, you could face a variety of issues, including:

• Increased risk for colds, flus and other respiratory ailments
• Dry, itchy skin and eyes
• Damage to your home’s woodwork, wooden furniture, paint and wallpaper
• Static electricity and damaged electronics (due to electric shock)

Low humidity can even kill your houseplants and lower the value of original artwork or musical instruments. Luckily, a whole-home humidifier can immediately address all of your humidity-related problems. Of course, installing a unit directly onto your HVAC system is a big decision. So get the answers you need to make the best decision for your home:

Should I Worry About Mold Growing Inside the Unit?

Nope! Blind & Sons only installs Aprilaire^® evaporative humidifiers. They are engineered to prevent mold growth. None of the materials used in these humidifiers offers a food source for microbes. Additionally, the evaporative design means that water is either evaporated or directed down the drain to ensure dry surfaces between humidification cycles.

Is Hard Water Bad for a Whole-Home Humidifier?

Not if you install the evaporative type that Blind & Sons offers. Aprilaire humidifiers can perform with all types of water – hard, soft, hot or cold. However, hot water is the most efficient since it speeds the evaporation process. In terms of hard water, rest assured that mineral buildup is not a concern. Your whole-home humidifier has a built-in flushing process.

Do I Need to Worry About Leaking Water?

Leaking water is only a problem if you don’t follow proper installation and maintenance guidelines. Common causes for leaks include the unit not being level, a clogged drain line or water panel, or cracked or damaged components. The only maintenance you really need to worry about is replacing the water panel annually. If you’re experiencing any of these other issues, any qualified HVAC technician can help!

Will a Whole-Home Humidifier Jack Up my Energy Costs?

It may sound like attaching a whole other system to your HVAC system is a recipe for higher energy bills. However, low humidity actually causes your furnace to run less efficiently, while healthy humidity levels allow you to comfortably heat your home at a lower temperature. According to the EPA, lowering your thermostat just one degree could result in a 4% savings on your heating bill!

Are You Sure I Can’t Just Use Portable Units?

Of course, the decision is up to you. Just remember that a portable room unit affects only a small space, and it lacks the ability to regulate the moisture it adds to the air (it pumps out a constant flow.) Whereas, a whole-home humidifier works with an outdoor sensor and constantly regulates the humidity levels throughout your entire home.

Convinced a whole-home humidifier is the way to go? Or, do you still have questions we haven’t addressed? Either way, contact us today, and we’ll help make sure you have the comfiest home possible.