A humidifier is one of the most valuable comfort systems you can add to your home. Beyond creating a more pleasant and safer indoor environment, it offers several health benefits that contribute to overall well-being. Below are seven ways a humidifier can enhance your quality of life.
1. Promotes Respiratory Health
The respiratory system is meant to be moist all the time. The nasal cavity, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and lungs are all lined by tiny, hair-like projections known as cilia. These cilia beat or move in a coordinated, wave-like motion to push mucus and trapped particles upwards and out of the respiratory tract.
Cilia function best when the air you breathe reaches the inner parts of the respiratory tract at body temperature and 100% humidity. If you inhale cold and dry air, the cilia will be less active, resulting in mucus buildup, pathogens and particles getting dangerously far down the airways, and breathing difficulties.
Moisture in the lungs also facilitates efficient oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange. These gases must be dissolved in water lining the cell membranes of the lungs to enter or exit the bloodstream. Dry air draws moisture from the respiratory tract, affecting this critical process.
Additionally, dry air can cause inflammation in the airways, increasing susceptibility to respiratory infections and aggravating conditions like asthma. Flu and other viruses quickly spread in dry environments because the lack of humidity allows them to remain suspended in the air for longer, while at the same time, cilia and mucus are less effective at trapping and expelling them.
Investing in a humidifier can eliminate all these issues. You’ll breathe better, your respiratory system will effectively trap and remove pathogens, and gas will efficiently exchange in the lungs.
2. Reduces Allergic Flare-Ups
Humid air moisturizes and soothes nasal passages, reducing irritation and inflammation (swelling). Moisture also helps to thin mucus and activate cilia, making it easier to clear allergens.
Contrarily, dry air not only makes it easier for allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust to become airborne but also keeps them suspended for longer periods. This extended exposure can worsen allergy symptoms and make relief harder to achieve.
While increasing humidity can help alleviate allergic reactions, it’s important to strike a balance, as excessive humidity can have the opposite effect. High moisture levels create the perfect environment for mold and dust mites to thrive. Mold grows to release mold spores, which trigger respiratory issues, sneezing, and congestion. Dust mites shed their body parts and produce wastes that are also allergenic to some individuals.
3. Soothes Skin
Moisture is very important to the skin. It helps maintain its elasticity, aids in cell regeneration and prevents pathogen intrusion. The skin itself does an excellent job of keeping moisture within its structure. For instance, the outermost layer acts as a natural barrier, preventing excessive water loss. The skin cells have a natural moisturizing factor (NMF) that attracts and binds water from the surrounding environment. The sebaceous glands release sebum (skin oil) that helps lubricate the skin and strengthen its moisture barrier.
However, in low humidity, all these protection mechanisms become futile. Dry air draws moisture from the skin and hardens the sebum. The result is rough, flaking, or even cracking skin that feels tight and uncomfortable. The hardened sebum clogs spores, leading to breakouts and worsening conditions like acne. Prolonged exposure to low humidity can ultimately contribute to wrinkles, sagging, and lines, as well.
Moreover, chronic dryness weakens the skin barrier, making it more susceptible to conditions like dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. It will also become more reactive to everyday chemicals and ingredients, increasing the risk of irritation and sensitivity.
4. Improves Sleep
A healthy person experiences four distinct stages of sleep. The first two stages are part of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. Think of them as your body’s preparatory phase. Your temperature, breathing rate, heartbeat, and brain wave activity gradually decrease. By the third stage, these vital functions reach their lowest levels. This phase is crucial for tissue repair, bone and muscle recovery, and immune system strengthening. The fourth stage, the rapid eye movement (REM) cycle, is characterized by elevated breathing rate, heightened brain wave activity, and rapid eye movement. This is where dreaming and memory consolidation take place, playing a vital role in cognitive function and emotional regulation.
Studies have found that excessively high humidity decreases the first and third NREM stages and REM sleep but increases the second stage of NREM sleep. Basically, you experience light sleep that doesn’t help your body, brain, and immune system. On the other hand, low humidity makes you uncomfortable and unable to get to the third and fourth cycles of sleep.
Optimal humidity levels, however, help your body and brain to transition through all sleep stages seamlessly. You’ll wake up feeling energized, refreshed, healthier, and mentally sharp.
5. Enhances Immunity
Maintaining optimal humidity levels can improve your body’s immune system by supporting its natural defenses against pathogens. As earlier stated, adequate moisture in the air helps keep the respiratory tract moist, which allows mucus and cilia to function effectively in trapping and expelling harmful particles, bacteria, and viruses. Balanced humidity also helps maintain the integrity of the skin and eye surfaces, which are crucial physical barriers against infection.
Other Benefits
Besides health advantages, maintaining optimal humidity levels offers several additional benefits that enhance both comfort and home efficiency. These include:
Protecting Wood Furniture
Wood is a hygroscopic material. It has the ability to absorb moisture and release it back into the surrounding air, depending on the level of humidity. Naturally, in dry environments, it loses moisture and contracts, which can lead to cracks, warping, and structural weakness. Prolonged exposure to dry air could also cause joints to loosen, surfaces to become brittle, and finishes to peel.
On the other hand, excessive humidity causes the wood to absorb moisture and expand. This can result in drawers that stick, misaligned doors, and also weakened structural integrity.
Optimal humidity protects wood by preserving its structural integrity. The cells will have just enough moisture to maintain their flexibility and strength without excessive expansion or contraction.
Energy Savings
Moist air tends to feel warmer than dry air because water has a higher specific heat capacity. This means that moisture absorbs and stores a large amount of heat energy and takes a relatively longer time to release it. This means you can set your thermostat three to four degrees lower without sacrificing warmth. Over time, you can significantly cut your heating costs and make your home more energy-efficient. Your HVAC system will also have an easier time maintaining comfortable temperatures, thus lasting its full lifespan without frequent breakdowns.
Ideal Humidity Level
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the optimal humidity level for a home is between 30% and 50%. Consider using a humidifier equipped with an automated humidistat. A humidistat monitors the moisture level and adjusts it accordingly to prevent excessive humidity or dryness.
Contact IBBOTSON Heating & Air Conditioning Co. for More Information
For the best results, consult IBBOTSON Heating & Air Conditioning Co. before buying and installing a humidifier. Our experts will help you find the perfect size, type, and model for your home, depending on your budget and preferred features. We can also offer maintenance and repair services as well as indoor air quality services to ensure your home remains comfortable and functional year-round.
Contact IBBOTSON Heating & Air Conditioning Co. today for humidifier installation in Arlington Heights & surrounding areas.
