The chilly winter months bring cold, dry air that can leave your home frigid and uncomfortable. Although a heater and humidifier will make your interior warm and pleasant, many Glastonbury, CT, residents don’t know if they can use the devices together, leaving many asking themselves, “Can I use a heater and humidifier at the same time?” That’s why SM Mechanical Services constructed a short guide to teach Glastonbury homeowners everything they need to know about using a heater and humidifier.
SM Mechanical Services is one of Glastonbury, CT’s leading professional heating and air conditioning services. Our team will rejuvenate your HVAC system so you can keep your home cozy and comfortable all year long. If you need an experienced furnace repair company in Glastonbury, look no further than SM Mechanical Services.
How Heaters and Humidifiers Work
Most people understand how heaters work. Although residential heaters come in many forms, the most common are:
- Furnaces
- Boilers
- Space heaters
Each model produces warmth and distributes it throughout a home or individual space to make rooms more comfortable during winter. However, most heaters, especially space heaters, tend to reduce moisture levels and make rooms a bit less pleasant to occupy. That’s where humidifiers come in.
Humidifiers are relatively small devices that add moisture to rooms through a three-step process. This process is as follows:
- First, the humidifier pulls in dry air from the space.
- After pulling in the air, the humidifier combines it with water vapor within its reservoir.
- Finally, the humidifier releases the air into the room, increasing its moisture levels.
Like heaters, humidifiers come in several makes and models. However, the most common types are:
- Evaporative humidifiers
- Ultrasonic humidifiers
- Warm mist humidifiers
Each variation differs slightly, but all perform the same task. They can diminish the adverse effect of dry air by adding moisture to the environment, preventing itchy skin, respiratory issues, static, and more.
However, the question remains: Can I use a heater and humidifier at the same time?
Heaters and Humidifiers: The Perfect Combo?
Although heaters and humidifiers are handy devices and transform chilly rooms into comfortable spaces, many people don’t know if they can use them at the same time. However, heaters and humidifiers compliment each other wonderfully and can help you maintain a comfortable indoor temperature in even the coldest, driest climates. In fact, some heaters even have a built-in humidifier, taking their efficiency to extraordinary new heights.
Setting up a humidifier in a room will help it maintain optimal moisture levels despite the heater’s drying capabilities. It will also help the space maintain your desired temperature more efficiently. Moist air typically feels hotter than dry air, allowing the room to warm up faster.
How to Tell If a Space Needs a Humidifier
Sometimes figuring out if a space needs a humidifier is difficult. Fortunately, you can perform a few tests to gauge your home’s moisture levels.
To check a room’s humidity level, fill a glass with several ice cubes and cold water and set it on a counter or table. Wait about five minutes and see how much condensation forms along the glass’s exterior.
If the glass has a lot of condensation along its outside, your room has plenty of moisture. However, if you can’t see any condensation, the space has exceedingly dry air.
You can also assess your home’s moisture level by how you feel. If your arm hairs stand up when you take off a sweater, you likely have dry air. Irritated, dry nasal passages and sore throats are also telltale signs of low moisture levels, making it ideal to set up a humidifier.
Although humidifiers are incredibly beneficial during the winter, they aren’t as effective during the summer unless a space utilizes recycled air. Summer weather typically contains more moisture, making humidifiers unnecessary for most of the season.
Benefits of Using a Heater and Humidifier Together
Using a heater and humidifier at the same time provides numerous benefits ranging from more effective heating to decreased allergy issues. Below are just some benefits of using a heater and humidifier.
Prevents Furniture Degradation
Dry weather can take a toll on furniture over time, especially wooden furnishings. It can cause wood furniture to crack and split, resulting in them breaking down prematurely. Setting up a humidifier will add moisture to the environment, keeping your wood furnishings in pristine condition.
That said, adding too much moisture can adversely affect furniture. It can form mildew, warp certain materials, and even cause damage. It’s best to keep moisture levels moderate to avoid harming your furniture.
Decreases Allergy Symptoms
Many people don’t realize that humidifiers help reduce airborne allergens like dust. The increased moisture in the air can help curb allergy symptoms and improve your overall health, especially if you have a sensitive throat, nose, or respiratory problems. Humidifiers are extremely beneficial during allergy season and will help you stay healthy while keeping your home warm and pleasant.
Helps Maintain a Comfortable Indoor Temperature
The most obvious benefit of using a heater and humidifier together is increased indoor comfort. The heater generates heat that warms the room, while a humidifier adds moisture to make the space less dry and feel hotter than it actually is. They make it easier to maintain a comfortable interior climate, ensuring you stay warm and comfortable in even the coldest winter flurries.
Contact SM Mechanical Services for Unmatched Heating and Cooling Services in Glastonbury, CT
Next time you ask yourself, “Can I use a heater and humidifier at the same time?” contact SM Mechanical Services. Our team can handle all your heater repair, replacement, and maintenance needs so you can keep your home cozy during the coldest winter nights. Whether you need to replace your heating system or want to learn the difference between gas vs. electric furnaces, SM Mechanical Services has you covered.
Call SM Mechanical Services at (860) 530-2632, or complete our online form and receive top-notch heating and cooling services in Glastonbury, CT, today!