Throughout the colder, winter months, natural humidity levels drop significantly. In Alberta, we are particularly prone to that lack of humidity and this can leave our homes as well as our skin, hair, and nails feeling very dry. Increasing the humidity in your home has many benefits for comfort, health, and even cleanliness. Luckily, there are some easy ways to add humidity back into the air, so that you and your family can live a bit more comfortably.
- Indoor Plants
- Create Some Steam
- Hang Dry Laundry
- Upgrade Doors & Windows
- Install a Humidifier
A healthy home humidity level has many benefits. Ideally, a home’s humidity level is kept around 45%. If it dips below 30%, it’s much too dry, and if it’s above 50%, the high humidity may start to feel uncomfortable – and often, causes condensation to accumulate on windows. If your home humidity level stays around 45%, your living environment will be cleaner, safer, healthier, and more comfortable.
Here are some great ways to increase your home’s humidity.
Bring the Outdoors, Inside
Indoor plants are often a great addition to the decor and ambiance of your home, but they also help purify the air and add to the humidity level. Selecting plants from the palm and philodendron families are great options and are easy to care for.
Get Steamy
Help improve your home’s humidity levels by doing some simple things like: boiling water with the pot lid off, setting out a pan or vase of water on your counter, or next time you’re having a shower leaving the door open in the bathroom to make use of all that steam.
Upgrade Your Doors, Windows, and Weatherstripping.
In the winter, inefficient doors and windows cause precious heat and moisture to be lost. This can lead to an increase in energy costs and a less-than-ideal home climate. Help save yourself some heat and cash by installing newer windows and doors. However, if that’s not in the budget, consider using weatherstripping or other means to seal up cracks to help keep your warm, moist air inside and the cold, dry air – out.
Install a Humidifier
One of the easiest ways to control the humidity in your home year-round is to use a humidifier. Whether you purchase a small, portable unit or opt to install a whole-home humidifier this method will help you take advantage of being able to make small adjustments in levels from week to week, depending on outside temperatures.
Ultimately, humidity is crucial in maintaining a comfortable and healthy living space. These top tips will help you bring some moisture back into your life this winter, and hopefully help you regain some control during the driest months of the year. Cascade Mechanical is proud to be the HVAC experts throughout the Bow Valley, We are here to answer any questions that you may have. Drop us a line, and let us help you maintain your ideal living environment, in any season.