Living in a cold weather area means problems with insufficient humidity.
Chilly conditions typically translate into very dry air.
Inside the house, we need to run the furnace to keep warm. The influx of heat makes the issue worse. The exceedingly dry heated air pulls moisture out of everything it touches. I live in a historical home with hardwood floors, wood doors, moldings and stairways. Dry air can cause the wood to crack or split. It’s a concern for antique furniture and musical instruments. A lack of humidity also leads to static shock, chapped lips and frizzy air. It dries out nasal passages, putting my family at greater risk of developing respiratory infection, asthma and allergies. Eczema, psoriasis, sore throat, itchy eyes and headaches are common complaints associated with less than ideal moisture levels. Plus, dry air feels colder than properly hydrated air. It’s always tempting to raise the thermostat setting. Higher temperatures increase demands on the furnace, forcing it to run more often and work harder. It uses more energy and results in more expensive utility bills. For a long time, my family just struggled with all of these unpleasant consequences. Just recently, I finally invested in a whole-home humidifier. The air quality accessory implemented right into the air handler, introducing moisture as the air passes through. By keeping the humidity levels within the ideal range, the house is far more comfortable. We no longer deal with that stuffy feeling and my family sleeps better at night. We have more energy during the day. I’m paying lower energy bills.