Humidifiers: Benefits and Proper Usage

You might be cranking up your air conditioner to keep your Amaia Series Nuvali home cool this summer. However, you may notice that the cold, dry air may also be drying up your skin and lips. If these issues bother you, it may be time to get a humidifier. This device adds moisture to the air, making your skin feel more revitalized.

A humidifier can also relieve some symptoms of the common cold and flu. However, improper use of this appliance can cause problems like uncomfortable dampness in the air and respiratory infections. 

Here’s what you need to know about humidifiers, their advantages, and how to use them correctly.

Problems Caused by Dry Air

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), your home or office’s humidity should stay between 30 and 50 percent. If it drops below 30, you run the risk of developing different health problems. These include:

• Dry skin – Air conditioning often lowers humidity, making your skin feel rough and dry. If you have a skin condition like eczema, the dry air may make it worse. 

• Respiratory problems – According to the Cleveland Clinic, the cold, dry air can affect your nasal and bronchial mucus and leave your respiratory system at high risk of infection. It can also make asthma, sinusitis, and bronchitis symptoms worse.

• Irritated eyes – Your eyes are covered with living cells, so they need to be moist. Spending too much time in an environment with dry air can cause your eyes to dry out, too. This not only feels uncomfortable, but it can also increase your risk of eye infections.

How Humidifiers Help

Humidity helps moisturize different parts of your body, which prevents problems caused by dry air. There are different types of humidifiers, which all work similarly. You add water to their tank, turn them on, and they’ll release moisturizing mist.

Humidifiers vary according to features and capacity. Examples include:

• Steam vaporizer – These electrically powered devices heat water, cool it, and release it into the air. These types are the most portable and affordable. 

• Ultrasonic humidifier – This type produces a cold mist using ultrasonic vibration. You could also get one that creates a warm mist.

• Central humidifier – A central humidifier is a console installed directly in your Amaia Series Nuvali home’s heating and cooling system. These are quite expensive, but they keep humidity levels optimized throughout your home. 

Make the Most of Your Humidifier

Excessive humidity can encourage the spread of mold, mildew, and harmful bacteria. Here’s how to make the most of your humidifier.

• Use distilled water – Tap water is not advisable for humidifier use. It contains minerals and bacteria that could be harmful if you breathe them in. Plus, mineral deposits could stick to the bottom of the tank, which may be hard to clean. Use distilled water instead to avoid these issues. 

• Clean it regularly – A dirty humidifier tank or filter could end up releasing harmful bacteria into your home’s air. That said, clean these parts using a mixture of water and vinegar or bleach. Make sure to wash the solution off and let the humidifier dry before using it again. If possible, replace the filter every few months. 

• Monitor your humidity levels – As mentioned earlier, too much humidity can harm your health. Monitor your home’s humidity levels using a hygrometer. Don’t let it go above 50%. 

Humidity plays a huge role in keeping your home or workplace comfortable. It also helps keep specific respiratory and skin issues at bay. If you’re thinking about getting a humidifier, let this guide help you choose the right one – and how to make the most of it.