Indoor air quality isn’t something most people think a lot about. If you or a family member has asthma or severe allergies, it is more of a concern. However, indoor air quality goes much further then just the air you breathe, it can also change your comfort level in your home.
Here are some benefits of different types of air quality equipment:
Humidifier:
A humidifier is primarily used during winter months to add moisture to the air.
1. Health Benefits:
i. Less Sinusitis – Dry air can prevent the sinus from draining
ii. Helps soothe sore throat and dry mouth symptoms
iii. Eases asthma
iv. Improves healing times
v. Prevents illness – viruses can breed more in dry air
2. Fights dry skin – humidity adds moisture to your skin
3. Decreases snoring – open sinuses
4. Prevents nosebleeds – if you suffer from regular nosebleeds, a humidifier could decrease the frequency by stopping your nose from drying out
5. Protects home – Helps protect wood from warping and cracking or Wall paper from peeling
6. Indoor plants will thrive – Dry air dries out the plants, and this can’t be fixed through watering as overwatering can cause root rot
7. Less static electricity
8. Beneficial for babies sleep – humidity makes a baby’s room more comfortable and will improve the sleep quality
9. Lower heating temperature – by adding humidity to your home, it makes the temperature feel warmer, allowing the temperature to be set lower
*Something to note on humidifiers is that if it has a water canister, that should be replaced regularly. Not an issue when the humidifier is piped into the water lines. Also, a hot water humidifier can breed bacteria
Dehumidifier:
A dehumidifier is literally the opposite piece of equipment of the humidifier and is primarily used during the summer. It removes moisture from the air, and is really beneficial if your basement is damp. If you have an air conditioner, it will work as a dehumidifier, but depending on your home, extra assistance might be needed.
1. Removes the musty smell from damp rooms or basements
2. Laundry dries faster
3. Reduces condensation on windows
4. Decreases dust in home
5. When a separate dehumidifier is running, it decreases the need for the air conditioners need to dehumidify, lowering the energy consumption of your air conditioner
6. Keeps food better longer – breads, cereals and bake goods won’t go stale as quickly
7. Improved respiratory health
8. Dryer air feels colder then humid air, meaning the set temperature can be a little higher.
Air Exchanger:
1. Removes stale air from the home, freshening it up and removing the stuffiness
2. Reduces excess humidity in home
3. Transfers temperatures between intake and exhaust, preventing a temperature change due to fresh air
*This is not a replacement for a dehumidifier.
While these are just some of the indoor air quality products available, they do offer a magnitude of benefits for your health, home and comfort.