As outdoor temperatures continue a cold streak in Phoenix, falling into the high thirties to low forties overnight, the relative humidity and dew point demonstrate the air stays quite dry in the Valley of the Sun. Dew points are running in the high twenties to low thirties, with the relative humidity measuring in the mid to high thirties. So, if there’s humidity outside, why is it you still experience dry skin, fly-away hair, and cracked nails?
It all has to do with the fact we live in an arid climate, and, even though El Nino might be soaking states across the west, southwest and southeast, you’ll might still feel the effects of static electricity as you heat your home. The reason for such a strange phenomenon is precisely because of what a central heat and air conditioner unit does. It’s really more about controlling the moisture in the air. Because of the disparity between an HVAC system and outside weather measurements, some homeowners prefer to install a residential humidification system. However, they can commit home humidification unit mistakes.
Top Home Humidification System Mistakes
Some of the most common phenomenon associated with dry air are static electrical discharges, that shock you get at the tip of your finger when touching an object. It simply represents an electrical imbalance between your body and your surroundings. A dry home is one that’s also a danger for furniture, components, and decor. When the air is dry, it can pull enough ambient moisture out of hardwood, stairs, paintings, and more.
…many people are accustomed to replacing the moisture they are losing in their bodies and environment with a humidifier. Most are familiar with the small, portable type that are set up in individual rooms. You fill a tank with water, turn it on, and the machine puts humidity into the air until you turn it off or it runs out of water. There’s not a lot of control. In contrast, a whole house humidifier is installed directly into your cooling and heating system. It introduces humidity in the form of water vapor into the air at the source—your heating ducts. The level of humidity is then monitored and controlled by your thermostat, just like the temperature is, and an even level of moisture can be released into your house all year long. —Bob Vila
Perhaps the most adverse impact of dry air in a home is the health threat it poses. When the air is dry, viruses and bacteria are able to grow and spread more freely. This can cause respiratory problems, such as asthma or allergies, and cause viruses to spread. To combat dry air, some homeowners choose to install a residential humidifier system to improve air quality, but commit one or more of the following mistakes:
- Installing the wrong size. There are many factors which must be taken into account when sizing a home humidification system. Among these are the construction materials, insulation, square footage, design, and layout. It’s very easy to install the wrong size when not all important factors are taken into account.
- Choosing the wrong type. Just like residential heating and cooling units, residential humidification units are available in different types. For instance, there are steam or mist units, and, flow-through units. Here again, there are many factors in regard to your home that will determine which is right.
- Installing it in the wrong way. Situating the unit in a hard-to-reach space, hard-wiring the humidifier to run only when the furnace is on, and, not properly or not at all, integrating a humidification system with other climate controls and systems in the home. These will all impede a system from functioning at its best.
- Forgoing routine maintenance. While home humidification systems don’t require a lot of owner attention, these units do need to be serviced periodically by a technician. Otherwise, problems can fester and become costly to repair.
Before you choose and install a home humidification system for your residence, consult a licensed and experienced technician about these concerns. This way, your home will be more comfortable and you’ll avoid the time and cost of having to correct said mistakes.
