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Archives for November 2016

What You Need to Know about Attic Insulation

All journeys for a cozy home should begin with attic insulation. It’s economical, comfort-inducing, and it doesn’t even require the implication of an expert. Read below to see how you can do it yourself and what you need to know to avoid some common mistakes.

Attic Insulation Method

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Introduction

“Winter is coming” isn’t something that’s capable of instilling fear in the hearts of fictional characters alone. All of us know the implications of the arrival of the cold season – on our health and on our pockets. Improper house insulation can often be the source of trouble in both these instances. If you’re not shielded well enough against the cold, you will have to turn up the heaters to maximum. Worse, if they’re not capable of keeping you warm regardless, you might just end up with a nasty cold on your hands.

A lot of times, that troublesome draft that won’t stop pestering you even when you’re in your bed under five layers of blankets sneaks in through the attic. After all, the higher a point, the more exposed to chilly winds it is. Considering this, the first step for economy and comfort is attic insulation.

Why Attic Insulation?

Empty Attic View

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It’s true that the attic allows much of the cold and the heat to sneak in and fall through the walls and floors. But the biggest issue with attics is that they’re huge heat losers. Whenever you’re sitting comfortably by the fireplace, a good chunk of the heat is lost through the attic. The reverse applies during summertime, when your cooling systems “donate” the chilly air to the attic. The attic, in turn, essentially swaps it for heat waves.

Less Costly Bills

As a result of all the heat loss, you get the cherry on top: a pretty dazing energy bill. Because it can’t stabilize your house’s temperature, your HVAC system is overworking itself. Thus, it’s draining extra energy and this extra energy shows in your monthly expenses.

Through attic insulation, you can ensure that your house won’t lose any more heat or cold. Therefore, there won’t be any need for that extra tap into energy reserves to stabilize temperature. The temperature will be stabilized by itself.

Eco Friendly Homes

There are quite a few ways through which you can adapt your home so that it’s more environment-friendly. Amazingly enough, the simple act of attic insulation can make quite the change. Any time you take steps forward to energy preservation, you take a step forward to creating an ecologically friendly household.

Extra House Space

How many people do you know who use their attic for storage and nothing else? Most of the time, this happens because the attic is just no place for anyone to be living or sleeping in. However, through insulation, you can earn a new room in your house. You can turn it into a spare bedroom, a spare living room, or a fun activity chamber.

The Two Types of Attic Insulation

Once you make the decision to insulate your attic, the first major choice you need to make is which type you’re going to use. In this regard, you have two options: loose fill and blanket (also shortened as batt).

Loose Fill Insulation

Loose Fill Insulation

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This type of insulation requires the fiber to be packaged and loaded into a special machinery. You can rent one from a home center in order to propel the fiber manually. This way, you can adjust to the desired height and density. One of the biggest downfalls, however, is that you require to invest a lot more physical labor. Even more, for first-timers, it’s difficult to achieve the desired effects.

Regardless, though, sometimes it’s the only option. There are some particular instances in which you should actually opt for loose fill over blanket.

  • If your attic has irregular joint spacing;
  • If there is already an existing insulation in your attic (because loose fill is the best option for thoroughly filling in joints and gaps);
  • If you have many obstructions to work around;
  • If your attic has limited headroom for maneuvering.

Blanket Insulation

Blanket Insulation

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Like the name suggests, blanket insulation involves fiber that has been already put together in a standard-sized material. It essentially works like a “blanket” as it covers the desired surface. Measurements are pre-established (usually with thicknesses between 16 inches and 24 inches). The material is packaged into rolls and it’s specifically made to leave no openings and fit between joints.

Some of them come with a paper or a foil facing in order to create a vapor barrier. Just like with loose fill insulation, there are ways to know if blanket is the best kind of attic insulation for you.

  • If your attic has standard joint spacing;
  • If you haven’t had any insulations previously;
  • If there aren’t many obstructions or limitations to work around;
  • If your attic has a headroom spacious enough for maneuvers during installation.

Fibers and Materials for Attic Insulation

For different kinds of insulations, there are different kinds of materials. However, as far as attic insulation is concerned, you don’t need to worry about filtering through the myriad of materials on the market. Some of the most popular choices have been popular for a good reason. Stick with them and you will have plenty of good results.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass consists typically of extremely thin glass spun into fibers. It’s sometimes associated with sand or with another type of glass that can make it more durable.

In blanket: Manufacturers prefer to incorporate fiberglass into batts, which you can differentiate especially through density. Medium and high-density fiberglass batts are meant to be used in areas with limited cavity space. This is why they’re perfect, for example, for insulating cathedral ceilings.

In loose fill: It’s one of the lightest of the materials for attic insulation. The biggest disadvantage is that fiberglass tends to settle in more, so you need to add in an extra thick layer to make it work.

Biggest downside: Fiberglass isn’t exactly a material that’s friendly to your health. It can irritate your lungs and skin, but this can be avoided if you purchase the material from a top-notch manufacturer. Also, it’s not that good at blocking air flow, so if this is a typical problem you want to get rid of, it won’t help that much.

Mineral Wool

The term “mineral wool” can refer to either of these two specific types of materials:

  • Rock wool, which is a material composed of natural minerals such as diabase and basalt;
  • Slag wool, which is a material made from blast furnace slag. The term defines the scum developed by metal when it’s molten.

Mineral wool is a relatively chemical-free material as its composition is roughly 75% post-industrial recycled materials. Manufacturers produce it so that it’s fire-resistant and that it can act as an insect repellant. In order to make it fire-resistant, though, there is no need for additional chemicals.

Biggest downside: It’s probably one of the more expensive attic insulation materials. This is partly due to the fact that it contains natural fire-resistant properties.

Cellulose

Cellulose is produced using recycled paper products, most typically newspapers. It contains the biggest percentage of recycled materials out of the fibers on this list – around 85%. The ending result manages to pack into building cavities and to stop unwanted air flow from breezing through.

You can best use cellulose in loose fill attic insulation methods.

Biggest downside: Even though it doesn’t pose any risks for your lungs and skin, they’re slightly more difficult to come by. Not many manufacturers produce cellulose fiber. Moreover, you should avoid exposure to humid environments and moisture, as the material can rot or grow moldy.

Common Attic Insulation Mistakes to Avoid

Attic Ladder

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It may seem like attempting a DIY attic insulation sounds scary, but you should generally be well-set as long as you abide by a set of basic regulations.

Always Prepare in Advance

You decide one day that it’s time to take care of the heat and energy losses caused by your attic. That’s great! But don’t jump into the installation process without properly setting the path to your goal. You’d be surprised by the number of people that overlook some pretty basic preparation steps.

Always check that you have a steady ladder, that your lightning is good enough, that you have the right tools, etc.

Choose the Insulation Right

Accidentally going for the wrong kind of insulation will do more harm than good. You’ll end up investing some money and effort and it will all be for naught. Consider the guidelines we’ve written previously, see if they apply, and eventually check-in with an expert for feedback.

Cover it All

Every little spot and gap matters. If you think you’re done and then notice one tiny gap in the floor, don’t brush it off! This tiny gap can make the difference between your savings and comfort improvement.

Closing Lines

Through attic insulation you’ll save up on money, live more comfortably, protect the environment, and extend your household. The thing you must be more careful about is the type of insulation to go for. Once you’ve made your choice, the next big step is the material.

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Ductless Air Conditioner – Everything You Need to Know

If you are thinking about changing your basic HVAC equipment, it might be time for you to look at a ductless air conditioner. They are becoming increasingly popular in the U.S., and they have been used extensively in Europe and Southeast Asia for a while now. But why is that? Well, they seem to have a lot of benefits over the conventional type of HVAC equipment. Some of them include the cheaper price, and the easier to install features.

ductless air conditioner couple

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Today, we are going to explore everything there is to know about a ductless air conditioner, from its components, the different types, how it actually works, and why you should buy one. Let’s begin!

Main Components of a Ductless Air Conditioner

A ductless air conditioner is made up of two main units: the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. The outdoor unit is itself split into three different parts: the compressor, the fan, and the condensing coil. The indoor unit includes a fan for airflow and the evaporator coil. The two units are connected by line-sets, which are made of heat insulated copper tubing, in order to transfer the refrigerant. But let’s take a closer look at what each of the components does.

The compressor is the most important part of a ductless air conditioner. And it is also the most expensive one. It is so important because it is the compressor that transforms the low-pressure gas into high-pressure one. Basically, without the compressor, the process of heat transfer would not be effectively completed.

The fans also have an important role in a ductless air conditioner, since they draw the indoor air that is full of heat energy, and they release it outdoors, into the atmosphere. But what about the condensing coil? This component is made of aluminum fins that cycle the hot refrigerant and converts it from a high-pressure gas to a high-pressure liquid.

How Does a Ductless Air Conditioner Work?

Most often than not, a ductless air conditioner works the same way as a traditional ducted air conditioner. The only difference is that there is no need for you to install ductwork and other type of equipment in your home. The cooling process follows some basic steps:

  • The compressor transforms low-pressure gas into high-pressure gas.
  • The fan spreads the heat outdoors.
  • The refrigerant is transformed into a high-pressure liquid, and then a low-pressure liquid by the evaporator coil.
  • That refrigerant absorbs the heat from indoors and turns it into cool air, which is spread indoors by an internal fan.
  • The low-pressure gas that results from this gets pushed back to the compressor, and the entire cycle is repeated.

Types of Ductless Air Conditioners

Depending on whether you want to install a ductless air conditioner that only covers a single area, or one that reaches multiple ones, there are two type of ductless air conditioners, so you don’t have to worry that you won’t be able to get one to fit your needs. You have the possibility to purchase a mini split ductless air conditioner or a multi split ductless air conditioner.

The first option has a single outdoor condenser and indoor fan coil and it is perfect if you only need to cool one room. It can also be installed on a building with more than one inhabitant, in which case you need a condensing unit for each apartment or room and several systems. However, each unit will be able to set their own temperature, independent of the rest. If one of them breaks down, the rest should be able to still work properly, since they are not connected to the same system.

ductless air conditioner remote

The multi split ductless air conditioner also has only one outdoor condenser, but unlike the mini split ductless air conditioner, it has multiple indoor air handlers. In this type of configuration, you have two options. You can either have an indoor unit with a thermostat and activate the cooling system in all the rooms room when necessary, or get a condensing unit with separate compressor circuits. These circuits are going to be connected to each individual air handler, and you are going to have a thermostat for each, that you can control at your liking. So if you want to cool only a specific area in your house at once, this should be the best option for you.

Where Can I Install a Ductless Air Conditioner?

Now that we’ve seen what ductless air conditioners are made of, how they work, and what types you can find, it’s time to see where exactly you can install such a device. First of all, you should know that they are extremely flexible, and they can be made to fit almost any type of arrangement and building.

Because of their size, which is considerably smaller than the traditional air conditioner unit, they can be installed in attics, basements, garages, condos, server rooms, and so on. Moreover, since they don’t make a lot of noise, you don’t have to worry about them being a burden. You can install one in your bedroom, in a meeting room, in a hospital, church, or even a recording studio. Lastly, since a ductless air conditioner is quite powerful, it can be used in buildings with multiple tenants, hotels, data centers, office buildings, and so on.

Basically, you can install a ductless air conditioner anywhere you want. And it comes with a lot of benefits, compared to the ducted one. And because we know that you’ve been waiting to hear what the benefits are, we are not going to make you wait a minute longer. Let’s explore what makes a ductless air conditioner the best cooling option for your home.

Ductless Air Conditioner Advantages – Why Should You Get One?

It Is Cost-effective

This is probably one of the main reasons why so many people have decided to switch to a ductless air conditioner. Since the prices for a traditional ducted air conditioner are pretty high, a solution had to be found. And it has been. The ductless air conditioner is smaller, so it uses less power, which leads to less money spent on air conditioning. Most basic air conditioners are not entirely effective, since they transmit the cool air through ducts, but the ductless air conditioners eliminate this problem, since the cold air gets delivered directly into your home.

Moreover, since you can choose which rooms to cool with the multi split ductless air conditioner, you don’t have to spend extra energy cooling rooms that you don’t use or that don’t need cooling.

Improved Air Quality

The issue of air quality is also strongly related to air ducts. Since the old air conditioner units use air ducts to send the cool air indoors, the ducts have to be cleaned on a regular basis. Even when they are clean, dust and allergens can still be found there, and this seriously damages the air quality indoors. But with a ductless air conditioner, there is no necessity of periodical cleaning, and it also filters the air allergens, dust, bacteria, and so on. So if you want to breathe a cleaner air, we suggest you try a ductless air conditioner.

Easy to Install and Effortless

Unlike the traditional air conditioner, the ductless air conditioner is easy to install in your home, since it doesn’t require a lot of equipment. If you only install a small number of indoor and outdoor units, you can get the job done in a day, while you would have to wait weeks to get a ducted air conditioner installed.

ductless air conditioner install

Another important benefit is the fact that you don’t have to make drastic changes in your home, such as rebuilding walls to go around the ducts, or sacrificing a lot of free space. The ductless air conditioner only needs a three-inch hole to be installed.

Lower Carbon Footprint

Not only is a ductless air conditioner better for you, it is also better for the environment. Due to its small size and the fact that you can control which room to cool and when, the ductless air conditioner is really energy-efficient. And this does not only come in handy for your electricity bill, but also for the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere.

But the benefits of a ductless air conditioner don’t stop here. Such systems use advanced chemistry so as to reduce as much as possible its effects on the environment. The refrigerant they use is called R410A, and it has a potential for zero ozone depletion.

Everything Summed up

All in all, ductless air conditioners are definitely the cooling units of the future. Since they have so many benefits, from cost-efficiency, to easy installation and use, better air quality, lower carbon footprint, and so many customizable features, it is not hard to understand why. So if you are looking to replace your old air conditioning unit and you want something that doesn’t take up a lot of space, gives you the liberty to choose which room you want to cool at any given time, saves you money on electricity, and also helps the environment in the process, then a ductless air conditioner is the perfect choice for you.

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State Select Water Heater Reviews

The State Water Heater group offers solutions for all your water heating necessities in many shapes and forms. The State Select Water Heater range is one of their particular trademarks, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if you found yourself pondering to purchase one product.

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Overview
Product Lines
State Select Water Heater – Electric
#1 High Efficiency
#2 Residential
#3 Table Top
#4 Junior
#5 Point-of-Use
#6 Booster
State Select Water Heater General Lines
Conclusion of Consumers

Overview

State Select Water Heater Lines

State Water Heaters was founded in 1946. Its legacy started with Herbert Lindahl, who opened a small business that produced coal and wood-burning stoves. Their place of activity was a mere garage in Nashville, Tennessee.

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According to the histoire on their website,

“In the years that followed, State expanded and became a leader in the water heating industry, through steadfast commitments to seeking new materials, new technology and innovative engineering techniques.”

State’s first water heater was produced in 1948. By 1996, State had grown into one of the world’s biggest water heater producers with over 10,000 units being produced every day. It was in the same year when State introduced the Premium and Select lines.

Product Lines

State’s products are targeted mostly for residential use and they come in different sizes and distinctive types. The State Select Water Heater line comes with tall, short, and lowboy models and several specialty electric models. They also offer gas and product products.

Their water heaters can be gas-based, propane-based, tankless, electric, heat pump, or commercial.

State Select Water Heater – Electric

The models of this variety can be mostly classified in six fundamental categories, each one of them having their own specific models.

  • High Efficiency water heaters;
  • State Select Residential models;
  • Table Top electric water heating appliances;
  • Select Junior tank type electric units;
  • Point of Use water heater;
  • State Select Solar Booster Tanks.

#1 High Efficiency

Specifications for High Efficiency State Select Water Heater products:

  • EF (energy factor): 0.93
  • 5’’ thickness
  • Insulation value R, 20

As the name suggests, the High Efficiency types of water heaters are intended to be energy efficient appliances. This can be achieved through the use of thick insulation foam and heat trappers. They use a standard wattage of 4,500 W but there is an increased power option for a 6,000 W model.

A comparison worth making is between this State Select Water Heater and the Premier models. Upon analysis, you discover that the High Efficiency select is thinner but that the recovery rate is identical, regardless of the size.

    There is a total of five models of this category, four of which are designed as tall with a maximum height of 61.5’’ and tank sizes between 40 gallons and 80 gallons. There is, however, one medium tank, sized 49’’ and with a capacity of 60 gallons. The models can be found below.

  • ES6 40 DOCT – 40 gallon capacity
  • ES6 52 DOCT – 50 gallon capacity
  • ES6 66 DOCT – 66 gallon capacity
  • ES6 80 DOCT – 80 gallon capacity
  • ES6 50 DOCS – 40 gallon capacity (medium size)

#2 Residential

The Residential State Select Water Heater is the most common and it provides the biggest selection range for all those interested. You can acquire a Select electric water heater in tall, short, and lowboy models. Both the tall and the short options come in several specific products, whereas there is only one lowboy available.

Specifications:

  • Recovery rate: 21 gallons per hour
  • Temperature rise: 90 F
  • Insulation value R: 16 (exception is the 38-gallon Lowboy model ES6 40 DOLNS, which has the insulation value R of 12)
  • 5 kW heating power
  • Standard heating element voltage: 240 VAC

The Select tall models have a pretty impressive range of tank size capacity, varying from 30 gallons to 119 gallons. The minimum height is of 46.5’’ whereas the maximum is 64.25’’. The range of the diameters is between 18’’ and 28’’.

It’s noteworthy that when you’re looking at 30-gallon models, they are mostly differentiated by their energy efficiency. Despite being the smallest, the ES6 30 DORT is the most savvy when it comes to energy efficiency, with an EF of 0.93. On the other hand, we have the biggest 30-gallon model, the ES6 120 DORT, whose EF drops significantly behind the former’s, banking in only 0.81.

HVAC Maintenance Tips: How to Keep Your System in Tip-Top Shape All Year Long

Imagine it's 90 plus degrees outside with a nice dose of humidity in the air.

You've been working outside all day weeding your prize vegetable garden, which is no small feat.

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For the short State Select Water Heater, you can only opt for one of three tank sizes: the 30-gallon, the 40-gallon, and the 50-gallon capacity. Their diameters range from 20.5’’ and 22’’ and their heights are included in a scale from 36.5’’ to 48’’. Just like in the previous situation, the smallest unit, the ES6 120 DORT, is the most energy efficient, proving itself with an EF of 0.93. We also give a special mention to the ES6 50 DORS, whose first hour rating is 60 gallons despite it being a 50-gallon model.

The lowboy only comes in one model with different tank capacities. The most popular options are the 30, 40, and 50-gallon ones. The height range is between 30’’ and 34’’ but the difference shows up in the width of the tanks. Despite the fact that they provide the same capacity as the tall models, they’re wider in diameter, stretching at sizes of either 22, 23, or 26.5’’.

#3 Table Top

The table top models are named in a way that references to their secondary purpose. They have a flat upper surface and a height of 36’’ which makes them perfect for all your kitchen needs. It becomes one of your useful appliances, as well as an extra counter for storage purposes on top of it.

The most popular type is the square one, which measures 36″x25″x21″ with the possibility to go 36’’x25’’x24’’ as well. The tank sizes are either 27 gallons or 40 gallons. All in all, the Table Top State Select Water Heater is created to become an integral part of your kitchen and to help you with all your water heating needs.

Functional Tall State Heater

image via : TMZ Plumbing

The table top models are named in a way that references to their secondary purpose. They have a flat upper surface and a height of 36’’ which makes them perfect for all your kitchen needs. It becomes one of your useful appliances, as well as an extra counter for storage purposes on top of it.

The most popular type is the square one, which measures 36″x25″x21″ with the possibility to go 36’’x25’’x24’’ as well. The tank sizes are either 27 gallons or 40 gallons. All in all, the Table Top State Select Water Heater is created to become an integral part of your kitchen and to help you with all your water heating needs.

#4 Junior

It’s understandable that not everyone can afford impressively-sized water tanks. Knowing this, there is a specific State Select Water Heater which caters to the needs of those of you that either don’t have enough space, either wish to preserve the one they have. This solution is the Junior model.

Specifications:

  • Recovery rate: 8 gallons
  • Temperature raise: 90 F
  • Heating element wattage: 1650 W
  • Maximum available voltage: 240 V

The capacity range of the tanks is reflective of the intention of the creator to make this State Select Water Heater a space-friendly addition. It’s because of this that the smallest one is the mere 6-gallon type. At the opposite end, we have the maximum 38-gallon capacity.

The two 29-gallon and 38-gallon models, the ES6 30 SOMS K and ES6 40 SOMNS K, are powered up by 6,000 W as a result of 240 V and two heating elements. The other smaller options in this range of selection only require one heating element and their maximum wattage can be of either 3,000 W or 4,500 W.

#5 Point-of-Use

A Point-of-Use State Select Water Heater is useful in situations of low demand, for office lavatories or for buildings with remote restrooms. Their purpose is to fulfill the requirement of small amounts of water.

We’ll referentially use the ES6 2 SSUS K model, which is a tank type with a modest capacity of 2.5 gallons. The maximum heating power is of 1500 W, which is provided by 120 V. The 7-gallon recovery rate is for a 90 F temperature rise.

#6 Booster

The final State Select Water Heater type available in this line of products is the tank type Booster. It’s also referred to as the Solar Booster, as its purpose is rather to supplement the heating caused by solar energy rather than do it solitarily.

Available for you are two electric types with 80-gallon and 119-gallon tank capacities. In order to provide a consistent water temperature, both of the types are equipped with density copper heating elements with a 4500 W power boost.

The Boosters are equipped to withstand corrosion curtsy of the addition of two aluminum anode rods. Moreover, they’re also highly energy efficient, as the units come with 2’’ insulation foam layers for better functions.

State Select Water Heater General Lines

Although they’re separated by some specifications, all of the State heaters from the Select gamma have some things in common.

  • Tanks and component parts come with a six-year warranty. Depending on your preferences, you can opt (for some models) for an upgrade to a 10-year warranty instead. The Junior and Point-of-Use heaters use a different system, though, as they come with a one-year warranty for the tank and a three-month warranty for parts.
  • The maximum working pressure is of 150 psi.
  • Tank is lined with glass in order to provide a layer of protection against corrosion and rust.

Conclusion of Consumers

Opinions for State tend to be mixed, mostly because there are some particular models that really bring their products down. The State Select Water Heater field, however, is generally well-received. The selection range is enough to mold on the needs of everybody and there is a certain trust warranty that comes with the long history of the company in this environment.

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10 Humidifier Benefits

Humidifier benefits and plenty and many, some which you may have not even thought about. How can something as simple as a humidifier improve your health and your lifestyle? That’s a good question and we became determined to answer it.

Humidity is not something that you’d typically want to associate yourself with. Or, rather, it’s difficult to believe that anyone would willingly go out of their way to add some extra moisture to the air. After all, isn’t that something that people so commonly complain about during the insufferable, extra-humid summers? Precisely. For this reason, humidifiers aren’t exactly made for summertime use, but rather for winter.

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During the cold season, temperatures drop, everything gets cold and harsh, and the air becomes dry. This is when a humidifier needs to step in. Of course, don’t imagine that owning a humidifier is equivalent to turning your house into a proper swamp. The effects are there, but subtle enough to not bother you and impactful enough to give you humidifier benefits.

What Does a Humidifier Do?

Humidifier On Night Table

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It’s not rocket science to understand the function of a humidifier. It’s a device that propels water vapors into the air, adding some light humidity around you. When used properly and in normal dosages, humidifiers can help combat a great deal of ailments associated with cold weather. You can moisturize your skin, get rid of chapped lips, prevent nosebleeds, and much more. In fact, a humidifier can even make your nights better by helping tone down that roommate that snores a lot.

Types of Humidifiers

There are several types of humidifiers and whether they’re right for you depends on budget, preferences, or how much are you need to cover.

  • Central Humidifiers: They’re the most expensive, but also the most effective types of humidifiers. Being built directly into the air conditioning or heating system of your household, they can cover a lot of ground. They’re a great way of ensuring the humidity spreads through your entire home.
  • Evaporators: These humidifiers use moistened filters in order to propel the humidity into the air. The unit is a separate entity, powered by fans which give enough to expel the moisture throughout the room. Although they’re definitely more affordable, they don’t cover as much ground, making them ideal for single-room situations only.
  • Steam Vaporizers: Like the name suggests, these humidifiers use a steam-based system. They heat up water, cool it slightly, and then expel the humid vapors into the air as steam. They’re possibly the most budget-friendly types of humidifiers and they’re easy to carry around because of their portable nature. The biggest downside is that they can cause burns if not wielded carefully.
  • Impellers: Similarly to evaporators, they’re most suitable for single rooms since their range isn’t impressive. They function based on a rotating-disk system. Comparatively to steam vaporizers, they produce cool mists, which make them child-friendly and risk-free as far as burns are concerned.
  • Ultrasonic Humidifiers: They do sound very sci-fi –like, especially when you consider the fact that they’re powered by ultrasonic vibrations. Prices for a unit of this caliber vary depending on the desired size. Their biggest advantage is that they’re a two-in-one deal since they come equipped both with cool and warm vapor options.

Humidifier Benefits For You

Humidifier Benefits For Children

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We need what humidifiers have to give us, otherwise we wouldn’t have invented them in the first place. If you’re still on the edge about whether you’ll have one installed in your home or not, perhaps the multiple humidifier benefits will change your mind.

#1 Dry Skin Treatment

As previously mentioned, stable levels of humidity in the air can help you with dry skin issues and with chapped lips. During wintertime, the combination of indoor heating methods and the naturally abrasive and rough cold air can leave its toll on your skin. Every time you turn on your indoor heating, you contribute to the replenishment of these already low levels of air moisture.

When the moisture in the air drops, so does the one in your skin, which turns dry and rough. Instead of investing in numerous skin treatments, the simplest way to solve is issue is with humidifiers. Install one in every room and watch the humidifier benefits improve the look and feel of your skin.

#2 Help For Your Nose

It might be a bit odd to read this, but bear with us. Humidity has a significant impact on the hairs and mucus of your nose. If the air is dry, you may notice certain impediments in normal breathing. Some people also experience nose bleeds, which are far from being uncommon during wintertime.

Adding some extra moisture to the air is going to help the tiny hairs in your nostrils to move normally and do their job. What job? It’s all going to be explained in the next step. The main point is: there is a reason why water vapor treatments are very often used for sinus issues. You’ll breathe better, bleed less frequently, and…

#3 Fight Against Colds And Flus

The purpose of nose hairs is to help filter out germs and bacteria that are responsible for the installment of common cold season illnesses, such as colds and flus. Without proper moisture, they can’t do their “job” properly and more often than not, the bacteria slips through and ends up giving us headaches (literally).

Alternatively, if it seems like it’s a little too late and you’re already down with a flu, it’s actually not. Humidifier benefits don’t involve only prevention, but also treatments. The stabilized levels of humidity in the air can help with a cold by soothing irritated nasal passages or with breathing issues.

#4 Asthma Relieving

Both children and adults can ease their asthma symptoms curtsy of humidifier benefits. Especially in the case of people suffering from a respiratory infection, using a humidifier can greatly soothe some of the asthmatic means of manifestation.

However, for asthmatics, humidifiers are more or less blades with two edges. You should always consult a doctor to ensure that it’s okay to install a humidifier. Moreover, you will need to constantly clean it and make sure to keep the humidity beyond a certain level.

#5 Furnishing Preservation

Wood Furniture

Source

Wood furniture always has to suffer when too much or too little humidity is involved. Repeated exposure to dry air can cause the wood in some pieces of furniture to crack or form splinters. If you wish to preserve the health of your wood furnishing, consider installing humidifiers in any rooms that foster some pieces.

However, too much humidity can also harm them, so make sure not to turn it up too hastily.

#6 Happy Houseplants

Your houseplants give a lot, so we need to make sure that they receive in return too. During wintertime, they can suffer because of the dry and cold air. Perform a quick check-up on them. Is the soil drier than usual? Do the leaves look shineless and droopy? Then they’re definitely affected by the negative aftereffects of wintertime weather.

Keep a humidifier in the rooms that store your houseplants to give them a healthy dose of humidifier benefits. That doesn’t mean you can skip all the normal plant-care routines, so don’t forget to water them!

#7 Sound Chipper

Do you sound like Batman in the mornings? We all have that morning voice thing going on, but you can actually prevent it. Sleeping with a humidifier in the room is going to keep your vocal chords well-lubricated and healthy.

This is particularly important for all the singers out there. If you want to keep your singing voice crystal clear and always ready, it’s important to “feed it” the perfect dose of moisture.

#8 Warmer Environments

There is a reason why humidity and scorching summertime temperatures are such a deadly combo. The more humidity there is in the air, the warmer it will be. In other words, adding humidifiers during wintertime is also going to make your home feel generally warmer.

Comparatively, air that presents a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit with 10% humidity will feel like 65 degrees. But the same 70 degrees will feel like 69 degrees when combined with 50% humidity instead.

#9 Static Electricity Control

Do you know that feeling when you’re taking off that wool sweater and it suddenly feels like you’re pinched from every side by tiny fireworks? Or how about that feeling when your hair gets glued to it? If you’ve ever had the misfortune of experiencing the pinch of static electricity, you’ll be relieved to know you can control it by making use of humidifier benefits.

#10 Better Sleep

And, yes, you can finally tone down the snoring of your roommate or significant other. Snoring is boosted by dry environments as a dry throat or sinuses can incapacitate our normal breathing.

Some Final Words of Caution

Humidifier benefits definitely outweigh humidifier negatives, but that doesn’t dismiss the fact that we do need to be careful to not accidentally make humidifiers our enemies. Moisture encourages the development of various organisms, such as mold or various types of dust mites and mildew. Keep things under control with balanced humidity levels and by constantly cleaning and changing the filters of your humidifier.

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