Dry air is uncomfortable, and if it is too dry it can even be unhealthy. If you have been wondering how to put moisture into dry air, you have a number of options. You can find one or more solutions to this problem.
Increase Moisture With A Humidifier
When you want to increase the moisture in household air, a humidifier is an easy solution. You can choose an individual unit or a whole-house humidifier. There is an option to meet every need and budget.
With a humidifier, the moisture is increased when water is converted to mist or steam. This increases the humidity, making your room or home a healthier, more comfortable environment.
As it is simple to use, requires little maintenance, and you can find one that is affordable, you should consider a humidifier a wise investment.
Are There Other Options?
You may have decided to buy a humidifier, but cannot do it yet. Perhaps you need to save up for the specific model you want or are researching to see which styles are available.
For whatever reason a humidifier is in your future, you do not need to live with dry air in the meantime. There are ways you can increase the humidity and comfort in your home.
One option is to place potted plants around your house. The plants and soil will add moisture to the air. Make sure to water the plants on a regular basis. It is healthy to have plants in your home, and they look nice, too.
Dry air can be eliminated with fish tanks. The top of the water tank should be open. Keep the water clean so it stays fresh, and keep the fish healthy. The odor often associated with fish tanks can be avoided by replacing the water on a regular basis.
Use a drying rack to dry your clothes. It is as easy to use as an outdoor clothesline. When you follow this tip instead of using your clothes dryer, you will also save money on your energy bills.
You can use bowls of plain water to increase the moisture in your home. There are a number of ways you can take this approach. First, you can partially fill a metal bowl with water, and place it on your radiant heating unit or floor register.
During the cold months when your heating system is on, it will cause the water to evaporate. Second, bowls of water can be placed on windowsills. Warm, direct sunlight will cause evaporation.
If you want the windowsills to look nice, you can use vases instead. Place marbles or small colored stones inside each vase. It will give a decorative touch to your rooms.
Your daily habits for cleanliness can increase moisture in your home. If you take warm or hot showers, the bathroom door can be left open. After you finish your shower, plug the drain so the water stays inside.
Leave the shower door or shower curtain open. When the water starts to evaporate, the moisture can relieve the dryness throughout your house. You can have this benefit if you take hot or warm baths instead of showers. After you finish bathing, leave the water in the tub and leave the bathroom door open.
You can save money and eat healthy food by avoiding the microwave and using your stovetop instead. You will have the best results when you boil food. As the steam from hot water increases moisture, you can also boil or simmer water on your stovetop. Even the steam from a tea kettle will improve the humidity level.
If you use a dishwasher regularly, you can have more benefits than clean dishes. After the dishwasher has finished rinsing your dishes, open the door. Allow the dishes to air dry. You will use less energy, and the air will be moist.
You can change some other habits to increase moisture in your home. If you have been using exhaust fans in your bathroom or kitchen, they can cause the problem to worsen. These types of fans can actually make the air drier.
You should also resist the temptation to turn up your air conditioner. While the air will be cooler, it will also be drier.
All of these options can help put moisture into dry air. However, you may not want to continue doing them on a long-term basis. As soon as you can, invest in a good humidifier.
How Do You Know The Air Is Too Dry?
If you live in a dry climate, you may already know its effects on your indoor air quality. Even if your location is not especially dry, you can still have this problem. Regardless of the time of year, your home can be too dry. Not only does your home heating system dry the air, so does your air conditioner.
If the air is too dry, the effects are noticeable. You may be bothered by dry skin, itchy eyes, or chapped lips. If you have allergies, the symptoms can worsen. Family members who do not have allergies may experience nosebleeds, sore throats, or trouble breathing.
You may feel cold, regardless of the actual room temperature. You may feel dehydrated or thirsty, even if you drink plenty of water. Woodwork or wood furniture in your home may have become warped or cracked for no apparent reason.
When you touch someone or something in your home, you may get little shocks known as electrostatic discharge.
Why Should You Take Dry Air Seriously?
Some people see no reason to take action simply because the air in their homes is too dry. There are reasons this is a mistake.
Dry air can increase your risk of disease and illness. The membranes in your respiratory system that are designed to keep bacteria, viruses, and pollutants out of your lungs will not work as well as they should.
Dry air can cause respiratory problems, ranging from irritated nasal passages to snoring. It can harm your skin and your eyes. It can harm your home’s interior and structure. Furniture, artwork, wooden musical instruments, and books can become damaged when the air is too dry.
When you know the air in your home is too dry, it is time to take action. You can start with these tips to increase moisture, but consider investing in a humidifier. Whether you choose one or more individual units or a whole house system, it is one of the best investments you can make.
You will have better air quality throughout your home, and everyone in your family can be healthy and comfortable. Your house and personal possessions will stay in good condition, too.
