Humidifiers come in many different models, including furnace-mounted systems. It can be hard to tell if your humidifier is working as unlike the furnace which produces noticeable heat, the humidifier adds moisture to the air which is hard to detect.
If you have a furnace-mounted humidifier but feel the air in your home is still dry, you can start by looking at your furnace and seeing if the humidifier seems to be functioning. However, even if it seems fine you can still find yourself asking how do I know if my humidifier is working properly? Here are a few ways you can tell if your humidifier is keeping the air in your home moist.
How Do I Know If My Humidifier Is Working Or Not?
There are four clues your humidifier isn’t working properly:
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Static Charges
Dry air is infamous for creating static in the home. Static charges are those little shocks that occur when you touch something or someone after walking across your carpeting. Electrostatic discharge tends to get worse when the air is dry. Since your humidifier is supposed to be adding moisture into the air, if you are getting zapped chances are it is not operating at peak efficiency.
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Nosebleeds are Back
If you are finding you or your family members are getting nosebleeds, this is another sign there isn’t enough humidity in the air. Dry air evaporates moisture in your sinuses. As a result, the longer you breathe in dry air, the less moisture your sinuses have which exposes your blood vessels. This is why dry homes often cause nose bleeds.
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Dry Mouth, Throat and Lips
Dry air also makes your throat, mouth and lips dry. Chapped lips can occur from the dry winter air outside, but if you also constantly feel thirsty, or wake up with a dry mouth and throat, you are probably breathing in dry air at night.
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Dry Hair and Skin
Last but not least, if you are finding your scalp and skin are always itchy, or your hair has become more brittle this is also caused by dry air.
If you have any or all of these issues, your humidifier is in need of repairs.
Are you looking to speak with an HVAC expert? Call the team at Guelph ClimateCare today!
How Effective are Humidifiers?
As long as humidifiers are running at full capacity, they are very effective in reducing the symptoms related to dry air. Also known as whole-house humidifiers they work in hand with your forced-air heating/cooling system to keep your air comfortable. There are a few different types of systems that use either fresh water flowing through the system, a reservoir and a drum or steam to help keep the air moist.
However, they need regular maintenance to keep them running efficiently. Both your furnace and humidifier should be checked once a year by an HVAC professional who will make sure everything is in working order.
For more information on humidifier benefits, or other heating and cooling services in Guelph, contact Guelph ClimateCare today. Our friendly team of experts is always happy to lend a hand.
