Asides from the apparent shivering impact of cold on our body and home in general, it is also characterized by the presence of inferior humidity content in the atmosphere. However, this atmospheric condition is not only limited to winter seasons, as it is well seen during the summer too. How do you know if you need a Humidifier? You will surely find out in this article
Low humidity is in no way suitable for human health because it essentially provides a habitat for viruses and many other kinds of infections to thrive while leaving our body in a condition that makes us more susceptible.
Low humidity is also characterized by dry and irritated eyes, the skin getting flaked and itchy, as well as drying of the mucous membrane lining the respiratory tract. This leaves the body very venerable to cold, flu and other infections, without you having to leave the confines of your home. This calls for humidification
You need a humidifier as soon as humidity levels drop low; you should already have one to counter the fluctuating nature of humidity, which poses a tendency to remain low in cold or summer seasons. Low humidity should be tackled at an early stage, not after it has played a one-two on everyone in the home.
What you should know about humidifier
Humidifiers are devices with a major function of increasing the amount of moisture in the atmosphere, more accurately relative humidity. The different kinds of humidifiers employ different process mechanisms in getting this done, though it is ultimately the same modus operandi that is used. There are several types of humidifiers, each employing different principles, with strengths and weaknesses in different areas.
Humidifiers generally work by breaking down water into tiny molecule droplets (mist) by either ultrasonic vibration or simply evaporation. The mist is then propelled into the air, adding to its total water molecule content, and as a result, creating more moisture, and increasing relative humidity.
Do also know that humidifiers need to be maintained properly, or else you risk releasing more harmful organisms into the air, defeating the original purpose of keeping you from low moisture thriving organisms in the first place. Due to the use of water, humidifiers have a tendency of breeding molds and scales (if the water contains minerals; hard water).
What do humidifiers do for you?
The work of a humidifier is to basically break down water into mists, releasing it into the air to affect humidity overtime. That is just the way it works. However, its real effects are seen more in what a good level of moisture would do for your body. A good amount of moisture helps to relieve symptoms of colds, flu, cough, sinuses, as well as many other forms of tracheal infections resulting from low humidity.
The greatest gem of a humidifier, however, is that when properly used (at the right time and in the right manner), it can save you from getting most of these infections in the first place, since they cannot exactly thrive in good humid conditions. For those with already compromised health, using a humidifier is sure to ease and manage your healing process too.
Signs that you need a humidifier in your room
The signs that you need a humidifier in your room are more associated with the ones your body would give, rather than your room in itself. This, however, does not mean that the room doesn’t give any sign, because it does, mainly by the appearance of cracks on wooden surfaces, as well as static electricity easily gathering on anything remotely able to hold a charge in the room, including your hair.
The first bodily signs that you just might need a humidifier is waking up with, or having night time congestions too frequently. Though congestions are normal, especially in cold seasons, when it happens too frequently, characterized by difficult breathing throughout the day or at night, it could be your body calling for a humidifier. Low humidity could cause nasal passages to dry out, causing congestion that results in difficulty breathing as a result. It is, however, recommended that you see a doctor first for proper diagnosis.
The next most common symptom is having dry skin and cracking lips. The cause of these is direct as a result of lack of moisture, which normally lubricates the skin and lips. When humidity drops low, the skins become very dry, causing more friction, and cracked lips. At such times, a wide smile becomes risky.
Lastly, one of the most common signs that a humidifier is needed is when one starts to experience nose bleeds, and normally don’t. Dry air could be the cause, and a humidifier can help remedy the situation, making more moisture for the nasal passages, causing them to be less dry and irritated. See a doctor if the nose bleeds persists even after using a humidifier because it could mean that there is something else wrong.
When should you use a humidifier
Though it is a general notion that humidifiers should only be restricted to dry seasons/ winter, because it is when moisture hits an all-time low throughout the year, there are times during summer too that humidity doesn’t hit levels required for healthy living. For this reason, the best time to use a humidifier is as soon as you start to feel that very dry air in the atmosphere, or more accurately, install a hygrometer to keep tabs on the humidity level in the home.
There is also a chance that only the air in your home is dry, while everywhere else remains moisture healthy. Due to the unpredictability of low humidity, which is peculiar geographical locations, seasons, and even homes specifically, it is best you keep tabs on the changes in your immediate environs, and use the humidifier as required rather than go with a general notion.
When should you not use a humidifier
The times when not to use a humidifier is pretty straight forward, and it is when humidity is already on a healthy level (without indications of an imminent fall), or it has already spike too high.
High humidity is mostly associated with hot weather conditions, and in such situations, we recommend you abstain from making use of a humidifier because high humidity is not healthy to the body too.
Conclusion – How do you know if you need a humidifier
Humidity is one of the most important atmospheric conditions to keep eyes on in the home, with the help of a humidifier to manage things in the situation of low moisture. Keep in mind that the most important humidity condition that an atmosphere can be is balanced.
It should not be present in an excessive manner or fall too low at any time. This is why in low humid conditions, a humidifier is recommended, and for a high level, it is essential you make use of a dehumidifier to keep the balance somewhere between 400F and 600F.
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