Balance Moisture (and Comfort) Using Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers

Every Winona-area homeowner knows how the weather can fluctuate from day to day. The same can be said of humidity—one day your home is dry, the next it’s hot and muggy. Humidifier and dehumidifiers are the best ways to fix both problems. Take it from the air quality experts at River City Heating & Air Conditioning. Below, we’re breaking down both systems, including how they can benefit your home today.

What Is the Difference Between Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers?

While both systems are designed to keep you comfortable, they work in opposite ways. Think of them like your furnace and air conditioner, only for humidity.

Humidifiers add moisture to dry air to maintain a level between 35 and 50 percent. Balanced humidity can help solve certain health problems (more on that below). It also helps you save on energy costs during winter because humid air feels warmer—which means you’ll be comfortable at lower temperatures.

On the flipside, dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from your air when levels rise too high (above 50 percent). They too can help save you money on energy bills because you’ll feel comfortable at higher temps in the summer.

How Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers Benefit You

Soothe Health Problems

Both dry air and muggy air can both be uncomfortable. But more than that, they can be problematic for your health. If your air is too dry, it can lead to:

But on the other hand, high humidity can be bad too, causing:

With a humidifier and dehumidifier combo, you can help solve all those problems and more—including snoring!

Protect Your Furniture and Floors

If your air is too dry, it can actually cause your wooden floors, doors, and other furnishings to crack and shrink. Not only can this look bad, but it can cause long-term structural damage across the house. Especially for cold and dry Minnesotan winters, a humidifier goes a long way toward maintaining a healthy home.

Prevent Insect Overload

Mold and mildew aren’t the only things that thrive in high humidity. Insects do, too. This is where a dehumidifier can also help you. By lowering moisture in your air, you can deter bugs like ants and centipedes from coming into your home.

Do You Need a Humidifier or Dehumidifier?

No two homes are the same, so the best way to answer that question is by contacting River City Heating. We’ll ask you about your house and comfort and get a feel for the best way to help solve any indoor air quality problem.

It all starts with a phone call: 507-454-7689 (or contact us online).