How Do Humidifiers Work and What Are Their Benefits?

There are a number of reasons why you may need to consult your plumber in Salt Lake City, such as for a clogged sink or toilet, a leaky faucet, or for frozen pipes. One subject you may not have thought of addressing to your plumber, however, is the humidity of your home. But certain plumbers may be able to advise you on this subject, and can recommend what the best solution for your particular situation may be. For many, this will involve a humidifier.

Humidity and Relative Humidity

Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air. Relative humidity, on the other hand, is the measurement of the moisture in the air in conjunction with the current air temperature. This is because warm air can hold more moisture than cold air is able to hold. Higher humidity, which is often associated with the summer months, can actually make it feel hotter, as the sticky air does not allow for the evaporation of sweat that naturally cools your body.

But in much of the Western United States, including Utah, humidity tends to be lower year round, particularly during the winter months. Low humidity causes a number of issues, such as the drying out of skin and mucous membranes that can result in chapped lips, itchy skin, and nose bleeds, and can contribute to allergy and cold symptoms like dry eyes and stuffy nose.

Dry air is also a good producer of static electricity, which can cause startling or even painful small shocks when you come in contact with other people or certain items. Low humidity may also dry out house plants, wood, drywall, and plaster, potentially causing damage to floors, furniture, and walls.

How Humidifiers Work

The humidity amount that is generally considered ideal is around 45%. But this can be a hard number to maintain, particularly during the winter months. As a result, you may wish to purchase a humidifier. Humidifiers add moisture to the air. There are a number of different types of humidifiers, from small models that can be purchased at a store to models that can be installed into your heating and cooling system by your plumber in Salt Lake City. The most common type of these humidifiers is an evaporative humidifier. These humidifiers contain a reservoir that holds the water and disperses it to a basin. A filter that absorbs water, called a wicker filter, takes up the water from the basin, and a fan blows air through the wet filter. As the humidity level in the air rises, less water evaporates from the filter, which results in less water absorption and less water vapor output.