Humidifiers

Humidifier

Forced air heating systems may dry out the air in your home during winter. Low humidity can lead to irritated skin, coughs and asthma due to a drier respiratory system, and static electricity. This can be remedied with the use of humidifiers.

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How to buy?
Energy-Saving Tips

How to buy?

A humidifier emits water vapor into the air. They range in size and power from the tabletop model that serves a room to the central or console unit that humidifies the entire house (a central humidifier is hooked up to the heating system, while a console unit is a freestanding cabinet).

Tabletop models cost in the range of $12-$17, while consoles cost $75-$150 and can serve areas between 2,000 and 3,250 square feet. As central humidifiers are connected to the heating system, they work out of sight. But that forced air heating system must be running when they operate—and, of course the forced air heating system may have caused the dryness in the first place.

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Energy-Saving Tips

Humidification doesn’t necessarily require a separate appliance. You can add humidity to indoor air by letting laundry air dry on a rack, or through steam from cooking. Other methods include placing a pan full of water on an active radiator, delaying draining the bathtub after taking a shower or a bath, and venting an electric clothes dryer inside the house.

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