How exactly does humidified air impact our HVAC in the cold season?
Adding humidity to your home can make cooler temperatures feel more pleasant, preventing the need to crank up your thermostat and potentially saving on energy costs. In the summer, high humidity can make 75 degrees feel uncomfortable, while in the winter, dry air can make 70 degrees feel colder than it actually is. The lack of humidity affects how we perceive temperature. In dry conditions, moisture evaporates from our skin quickly, making us feel colder. Introducing humidity slows down this evaporation, helping us feel warmer even at the same temperature setting.
What are some energy-efficient humidifier features to look out for?
New humidifiers come with a handy feature that automatically adjusts the humidity based on the outdoor temperature. This means you won’t have to worry about having too much humidity or getting condensation when it gets colder outside. Some whole-home humidifiers have water-saving capabilities that automatically turn off to conserve water. This makes it easier for you to maintain the right humidity level in your home without constantly monitoring or adjusting the settings.
Share one of your favorite humidifier hacks.
If you use a thermostat schedule and set the temperature way down when you’re away, try not to make the temperature difference too extreme, especially during the coldest winter days. If the setback is too large, your furnace has to work harder and longer to warm up your home when you return. So making smaller adjustments can help your furnace run more efficiently and keep your home cozy.
Tech Tip: Unleash your inner furnace guru.
To keep your home comfortable and your heating system running efficiently, it’s important to do a couple of simple things. First, make sure your furnace filter is clean—this helps the air flow more smoothly. It’s also a good idea to have a professional tune-up your furnace once a year, as recommended by the manufacturer. You can schedule this anytime throughout the winter.
In collaboration with MSP Magazine: Why You Should Keep Your Humidifier Running All Winter Long - Mpls.St.Paul Magazine