Have you noticed how the atmosphere in your house changes in the winter months? Maybe you find dry and itchy spots on your skin, or cracks in your wooden floors or furniture. You might even wake up with a sore throat or bloody nose in the morning.

All of these symptoms—both to your body and your stuff—are a result of dry indoor air. The cold air outside, with moisture locked in a frozen state, doesn’t help. Inside, your HVAC is toasting the air before it circulates, keeping it warm but overly dry.

Low humidity can even make air feel colder than it actually is, causing you to overcompensate with the thermostat and run up your heating bill.

Let’s look at some simple and some more involved methods for adding a little humidity back into your house this winter.

How to Keep Humidity in Your House for the Winter

Start with a few of these simple fixes. If you’re still feeling too dry, it might be time to consider a humidifier. 

Simple fixes

These quick moisture-infusions don’t require much time, money or specialized equipment. Start with:

Houseplants

Houseplants are nature’s humidifiers. They release moisture into the air through a process called transpiration, where water is absorbed through the roots and evaporated from the leaves.Some plants are better at moisturizing the air than others. Consider adding some of these to your space:

• Spider Plants: Hardy and easy to care for, they are great for beginners.
• Ferns: Boston and maidenhair ferns are particularly effective.
• Peace Lilies: Known for their beautiful blooms and moisture-releasing capabilities.
• Areca Palms: Large and tropical, perfect for adding a lush feel to your home.

Water Near Heat Sources
Place bowls or trays of water near heating vents. As the water evaporates, it will naturally lend moisture to the air and help balance humidity. Just don’t put them in walkways or near electrical outlets! 

Drying Clothes Indoors
Instead of using a dryer, hang clothes on a drying rack inside your home. You might miss out on that lovely warm and toasty feeling of dryer-fresh clothes, but it’s worth the sacrifice for a more humid environment. Plus, you’ll save energy by not running the dryer for every load.

Boiling Water on the Stove
A quick way to add a modicum of moisture is to boil a pot of water on the stove. You could toss in some cinnamon sticks and citrus peels, too, for a fresh and cozy-smelling home. 

Or if you’re feeling ready to carb load and hibernate, add pasta instead.

Misting with Distilled Water
Use a spray bottle filled with distilled water to mist the air as you walk through your house. While this is a temporary and minor fix, it’s quick and easy to do. You can make a noticeable difference with some diligent misting.

Choosing the Right Humidifier

Sometimes you need more than a quick fix for dry indoor air. That’s where humidifiers come in. Choosing the right humidifier can be a sizable step towards maintaining comfort in your home. Here’s how to choose the right one.

Whole-Home vs. Mobile Humidifiers

The first big decision is whether you need multiple mobile units or a single whole-home humidifier. Here’s a breakdown of each option:

• Whole-Home Humidifiers. These humidifiers are integrated into your home’s heating and cooling system. They’re intended to provide consistent humidity levels throughout the entire house. Whole-home humidifiers are perfect for large homes or those looking for a set-and-forget solution. However, they are more costly than a mobile unit, and professional installation is required. 
• Mobile Humidifiers: Mobile units are easily moved from room to room so you can target specific areas that need more humidity. This flexibility makes them a popular choice for renters or those with smaller spaces. They come in a wide range of sizes, styles, and features to fit your room size and personal preferences. It’s important to consider, though, that mobile humidifiers require regular refilling and cleaning. They also will not cover as large an area as whole-home systems. And it’s worth noting that their noise levels and power consumption vary by model, so it’s important to choose one that fits your needs.

Considerations for Choosing a Humidifier

Selecting the right humidifier involves considering several factors:

• Room Size and Needs. Determine the square footage of the area you want to humidify and choose a humidifier that matches that size. Small units are ideal for bedrooms, while larger units or whole-home systems are better for bigger spaces.
• Energy Efficiency. Look for models that are energy-efficient and have features like auto shut-off to conserve power. This is especially important for whole-home systems that run continuously.
• Safety Features. Consider humidifiers with safety features such as automatic shut-off when the water level is low, cool-touch exteriors, and antimicrobial features to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

Keep Your Home Hydrated

Dry winter air wreaks havoc on your home, your stuff and your health. It’s important to keep things hydrated, whether you choose the quick fixes above or go all-in on a whole-home humidifier.If you have questions about whole-home humidifiers, or any HVAC-related issues, contact us today! We’re here to help.