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Most of the year I enjoy rain and even look forward to a mighty thunderstorm. I don’t care much for moderate amounts of rain this time of year though because it makes everything look dirty and uninviting. Yet, it is necessary to promote the health and well being of Mother Earth.

We need a certain amount of moisture in our homes all year long to promote our health and well being as well. Without the proper level of humidity our skin gets itchy, our throats get raspy, our noses may begin to bleed, and respiratory irritants become aggravated. Static electricity can increase to the point that our spouses and children run away when we try to show them affection. Dry air can also damage furniture, trim, and hardwood flooring. These conditions occur more frequently during the winter months because indoor air loses humidity to the outdoors and also through the process of heating our homes.

So what is the right amount of moisture and how do we get it? Experts in this field recommend indoor relative humidity levels of 30% to 50%. We can increase humidity levels inside our homes by using a humidifier.

Most forced air type furnaces are equipped with a “whole-house”, also known as a “central”, humidifier. The humidifier is usually mounted to the cold air duct near the furnace and has a water line attached to it. Inside the humidifier there is a rotating cylinder or sponge type pad that picks up water from a small reservoir. There may be a metal evaporating grill instead that momentarily holds water as it passes through the humidifier from top to bottom. Humidifiers must be cleaned routinely to ensure proper and efficient operation. These units also have a “Humidistat” that allows the user to increase or decrease the level of humidity at will and will be located near the humidifier or next to the furnace thermostat.

Portable humidifiers are also available at several home improvement stores. These are very easy to use. You simply place it somewhere out of the way, fill it with water, turn it on and walk away. Most units shut off automatically when the water is used up and have an indicator that let’s you know it needs to be refilled. I use this type in my home.

If you would like more information about Humidity or Indoor Air Quality please contact me at dkingfullserviceinspector@gmail.com