Winter is coming, the weather is getting cold, and the air is starting to dry out. You may be tempted to run out and grab some ultrasonic cool mist humidifiers to add moisture back into the air, and there are plenty of reasons that you would be right to do so. But do you really need one? Here are the pros and cons of getting a humidifier to help you determine whether or not you would benefit from one this winter season.
Benefits of Having A Humidifier
Having a humidifier can help improve your respiratory health, protect your belongings and furniture from drying out, and increase your overall comfort in dry climates. Here’s the positives to owning a humidifier this winter.
Physical Health
Having a dry space can lead to physical problems such as dry skin, nosebleeds, and aggravated respiratory conditions like asthma. Dust allergies can be impacted by low humidity levels due to a rise in dust mites, mold and other allergens. Humidifiers can help alleviate these symptoms by adding moisture back into the air.
Another health positive is that your hair, skin and nails will certainly thank you for keeping the moisture in the air balanced. Added hydration in the air works its way into your body, improving how we look and feel.
Personal Belongings
Wood and fabric can dry out and crack in low humidity environments, leading them to lose their strength and longevity. This can lead to the costly replacements of furniture, flooring, and clothes, both financially and in sentimental value depending on the object. Adding moisture back into the air can help prevent this damage and preserve your furniture and clothing.
Musical instruments made out of wood, such as guitars, violins or pianos will also retain their quality and sound better when in a balanced humidity environment. By preventing the wood from drying out you avoid warping or cracking, and ultimately protect your investment in these instruments.
Healthy Sleep
Dry air can make it harder to breathe and sleep comfortably, leading to restless nights and tired mornings. Not getting the rest you need can impact your mood, productivity and overall health, leading to a lower quality of life. Adding moisture back into the air can create a cozier atmosphere that helps improve sleep quality and overall comfort during the colder and drier months.
House Plants
If you’re a lover of house plants, ultrasonic cool mist humidifiers can help keep them healthy and thriving during the dry winter months. Plants can be very sensitive to low humidity levels, leading to browning leaves, drooping stems or even death. Having a humidifier can help maintain the moisture they need to stay healthy and beautiful in your home.
Drawbacks of Having a Humidifier
While the benefits of having a humidifier this winter are strong, there are a few drawbacks to keep in mind.
Mold and mildew growth –
While a quality humidifier should keep the moisture in your air at a healthy balance, If not properly maintained it might end up adding excess moisture into the air. This can lead to mold and mildew growth, which can trigger allergies and respiratory issues, not to mention cause damage to fabric materials and wood furniture. It is important to regularly maintain and monitor humidity levels to ensure they are balanced and not too high so that you don’t run the risk of hurting the things you want your humidifier to protect.
Higher energy bills
Unfortunately higher energy bills often already come hand in hand with the winter season. Using the heat in your home may already feel like a financial burden and while adding a humidifier isn’t going to add quite as much to your monthly electric budget, it is something to consider.
Possibility of bacterial growth in the humidifier
Keeping your humidifier clean is key to avoiding the growth of bacteria and germs. Depending on the type of humidifier you have, this can be a bit more difficult or time consuming than just wiping down easy to reach surfaces. This will add a bit more effort into your regular cleaning schedule, but it is worth it to avoid bacterial growth in your humidifier. If your humidifier does develop bacteria, it will only add more negative elements into the air you are trying to improve.
Conclusion
There are pros and cons to using a humidifier this winter. If you struggle with respiratory issues or dry skin, it may be worth investing in one to improve your comfort and health. However, it is important to regularly maintain and monitor the humidity levels in your home to avoid mold, mildew or bacterial growth that can have negative impacts on both your health and belongings. Ultimately, a humidifier can be an excellent addition to your household this winter as long as you care for it and properly monitor its output.
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