During the winter months, many people notice bloody noses, itchy dry skin, painful static electricity shocks and respiratory health issues — signs that the air in their home is too dry.

Having too little moisture in the air can cause health problems and home damage. However, adding the appropriate level of moisture into the air of your home will actually keep your family healthy and protect the condition of your home.

By using a humidifier attached to the heating system, you can provide continuous moisture throughout your entire home at an optimal humidity level of 30 to 50 percent. Whole-home humidifiers continually monitor relative humidity levels in the home, then work to deliver the right amount of moisture — never too much or too little — to the entire house.


This constant flow of moisture into the air will provide multiple benefits, including:

Well-being. The American Society of Otolaryngology reports that being in an overly dry environment can make people more susceptible to infection. A humidifier keeps the respiratory system moist and running healthy, thereby reducing the chances of upper-respiratory problems caused by dry air.


Energy savings. When moisture is added to the air, the human body actually feels warmer at lower temperatures. A whole-home humidifier allows you to feel comfortable at a lower thermostat setting and helps decrease energy costs. Aprilaire offers a drainless humidifier (Model 400) that needs only eight ounces of water to operate, utilizes 100 percent of the water in the unit and uses virtually no electricity, making it the most environmentally friendly humidifier on the market.


Preservation. Winter can cause extensive damage to the building materials of your home as well as the personal belongings inside. Added humidity protects against shrinkage and cracking in furniture, moldings and hardwood floors.


Comfort. Dry air takes moisture away from your body and can cause discomfort from dry nose, dry throat and itchy skin. Adding humidity into your home helps to eliminate those problems as well as reduce static electricity.