Pros and Cons of using a Humidifier at Home

It is important to maintain a proper level of moisture in your home as it is vital for your health. If you live in a place with relatively low humidity, then you might consider purchasing a humidifier to balance the level of moisture in your house. A humidifier adds moisture to the existing air inside a room making it more comfortable. There are different types of humidifiers and each comes with their benefits and downsides. This article looks at some of the pros and cons of using a humidifier.

Pros

  • Promotes Good Health

A humidifier can offer the best solution to problems that may be caused by dry air. An arid atmosphere can cause your mucous membranes to dry out. As a result, it attracts bacteria and viruses, which flourish in an unhealthy environment. Cracked lips, dry sinuses, and bloody noses are some of the problems that are caused by dry air. A humidifier makes it more comfortable for people with asthma or allergies as it reduces their chances of having a cold or asthma attacks.

  • Long-Lasting Furnishings

Paint and wallpaper can be affected in extremely dry homes to the point where they start peeling off from the walls. However, a humidifier can make your expensive textured paint job last longer by maintaining the level of moisture in the air when needed. Every fixture and furniture in your home will perform better or last longer when you have the ideal level of humidity.

  • Saves Energy and Money

High levels of humidity make your body feel warmer while low humidity makes your body feel cooler. Instead of heating the air in your home, you can make yourself feel warmer by adding moisture to the air in your home. This means that you will save energy that could have been used to heat the air, which saves money in the long run.

  • Promotes Plant Growth

Most indoor houseplants thrive well in the tropics because they are of the tropical variety. The dull and wilting color of your potted plants is a result of dry air, which can be fixed using a humidifier. Humidifiers help to conserve plant moisture that in turn lowers the rate of evapotranspiration in houseplants.

  • Facilitates Better Sleep

Snoring is usually caused by a constricted airway that makes your mouth and throat dry. This causes the respiratory airways to produce more mucus that increases the constriction, leading to an audible vibration sound such as snoring. A humidifier alleviates dry airways that lead to snoring, allowing you to sleep better at night.

Cons

  • It Can Lead to Excess Moisture

A humidifier that is not self-regulated can result in too much moisture in the air. Too much humidity is worse than air that is too dry as it can encourage mold growth or cause extensive damage to property. It is important to purchase humidifiers with hygrometers or humidistats as they are worth the extra cost.

  • Too Much Noise

Generally, all air humidifiers produce some level of noise. However, some humidifiers may be less offensive because of the variation in quality and construction. Ultrasonic models are considered the quietest excluding the method of draping wet towels over the radiator. Although wet towels might help when you have no alternative, ultrasonic models remain to be more effective when it comes to functionality.

  • Regular Maintenance

Just like any other household appliance, a humidifier needs to be cleaned and inspected regularly to avoid causing more problems than what it is trying to solve. It is always important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions at all times. However, you can always check the appliance after every three days when in doubt. Check for any signs of hard water deposits or film collecting on the water surface.

  • Health Concerns

Despite the immense benefits of a humidifier, it is always at risk of promoting the growth of bacteria and fungi. The humidifier and the water tank have moist surfaces that could be infested by microorganisms. When this happens, the bacteria and fungi can become airborne and spread easily within the room. People are likely to get sick especially when the humidifier is operating in confined spaces.

There are many things to consider before installing a humidifier as they all have their benefits and downsides. A humidifier can only be useful if it is properly maintained and inspected regularly to ensure that it is operating at its optimal capacity. The type of dehumidifier chosen will depend on your needs but each of them has the ultimate goal of regulating moisture conditions in your home.