A great way to fight against our harsh dry-air winters is with a humidifier. They soften the biting winter air, alleviate the pain of dry hair/skin, and hold heat in the air by removing moisture. This mini greenhouse effect means that your entire heating system can run a little bit more efficiently. In addition, the humidity also prevents damage to surfaces like hardwood floors, which suffer under dry winter air.
Take a little time out of your day to check your humidifier and make sure it’s running smoothly. If the device is empty then fill it with water. Check for leaks and then start the unit. While still monitoring for leaks, start your furnace heat cycle and adjust the humidity level to on. Once everything starts normally, ensure the dampers are open and water flows over the humidifier’s membrane or into a tray.
Finding a good humidity level is personal preference, but a good rule of thumb is somewhere between 35%-55% humidity. Too much humidity, however, can damage your building, so monitor for any damage if you decide to raise the level above our recommended range.
If you have any questions about preparing your home for winter or other plumbing questions, simply contact us and we’ll see how we can help you.