Have you noticed the Central Oregon dryness creeping in as the seasons have changed? Dry fall air can cause dry skin, itchy eyes, sore throat, and even respiratory problems. Maintaining optimal indoor humidity levels is essential for a comfortable and healthy home environment. So, how do you achieve these levels? Read on for our tips.
The Benefits of Optimal Indoor Humidity
Optimal indoor humidity levels fall between 30 and 50 percent. When the air is too dry, it can cause skin discomfort and also exacerbate conditions like allergies and asthma, leading to breathing problems and irritation. On the other hand, excessively high humidity can create a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and other allergens, negatively affecting indoor air quality.
By maintaining optimal levels, you can:
- Enhance Comfort: Proper humidity levels can help alleviate dry skin, reduce static electricity, and prevent irritated nasal passages, providing a higher level of comfort for you and your family.
- Improve Respiratory Health: Maintaining the right moisture content in the air can help soothe respiratory symptoms, reduce the likelihood of infections, and promote overall respiratory health.
- Protect Furnishings and Woodwork: Dry air can cause wood to shrink, warp, or crack, resulting in damage to your furniture, flooring, and woodwork. By keeping indoor humidity levels in check, you can extend the lifespan of your valuable belongings.
Use Humidity to Combat Central Oregon’s Dry Seasons
We recommend our clients use the following strategies to help maintain the perfect humidity levels in their homes.
Utilize a Humidifier
Humidifiers offer a practical solution to combat dry fall air. These devices add moisture to the air, increasing humidity to a comfortable and healthy level. There are several types of humidifiers available, including portable units and whole-house systems.
Check Your HVAC System
Your HVAC system can play a role in maintaining humidity levels. Regular maintenance and filter changes can help prevent excessive dryness. Consider consulting with our professionals to evaluate your system’s ability to manage humidity.
Proper Ventilation
While it’s essential to control humidity, proper ventilation is also important. Ensure your home is adequately ventilated to prevent moisture buildup and potential mold growth.
Houseplants
Certain houseplants can help add moisture to the air through transpiration. Consider incorporating moisture-loving plants into your home decor.
Bend Heating’s Humidity Control Services
At Bend Heating, we understand the importance of optimal indoor humidity levels for your comfort and well-being. Our team of experts is well-versed in providing humidity control solutions to homeowners in Central Oregon.
We offer professional HVAC installation services, which include the integration of whole-house humidifiers (typically installed around the furnace) into your existing heating and cooling system. Our technicians will assess your home’s humidity needs, recommend the best options, and ensure proper installation for reliable and efficient performance.
Additionally, our HVAC maintenance and repair services can help keep your humidity control system in top condition. Regular maintenance visits will include cleaning and inspecting the humidifier (annually in the fall/winter), replacing the bad, cleaning parts, and ensuring it functions optimally and provides you with the desired indoor air quality.
Bend Heating & Sheet Metal: Your Indoor Air Quality Experts
These dry fall and winter months are the perfect time for Central Oregon homeowners to strive for optimal indoor humidity. Our team of experts can assess your home’s specific needs and recommend the best solutions to address your humidity challenges. Whether you need help selecting the right humidifier, optimizing your HVAC system, or addressing underlying moisture issues, we’re here to assist you.
Remember, a comfortable home is a healthy home. Let us help you achieve the perfect balance of warmth and moisture this fall and winter.