Although you are more likely to think about temperature control, getting a good humidifier summer/winter setting will help control the humidity. During summer or winter, the temperatures outside are hot or cold, determining the humidity levels.
For example, the humidity levels are too high during summer due to the high heat levels. Air during this time is sticky, damp and can cause respiratory infections. Ensure your humidifier is set to the summer setting, denoted as S, to lower the humidity levels. Set the humidifier to the W setting during winter to increase the moisture levels.
Too high or too low humidity in the home can cause discomfort among the family members. Besides, some bacteria and diseases thrive well in certain humidity levels. Luckily, you can know how to set your humidifier by contacting a professional here.
Humidifier Settings for summer vs winter
Summer humidity levels are high, making the surroundings overly damp and sticky. Furthermore, excessive humidity levels can promote mold growth and harm wood furniture and doors.
To ensure comfort in the home during summer, homeowners should set the humidifiers between 40 and 50 per cent. Check for the S sign on your humidifier. The setting regulates the humidity levels in the rooms to ensure comfort.
However, if you are using the old HVAC unit and furnace models, ensure your humidistat is set to low. It ensures the AC cools the room and absorbs the extra moisture to maintain the correct humidity levels.
During winter, the temperatures are low, and so are the humidity levels. Low water concentration in the atmosphere can cause nose irritation, dry skin and lips, and spread bacteria that do well in dry environments.
Luckily, there is a remedy for the low humidity. If you have noticed sinuses and increased nose bleeding, get a humidifier. However, the unit will work efficiently only if you set it in the correct winter settings.
Unlike during summer, where you maintain the correct moisture levels by absorbing some from the air, you need a humidifier setting that releases moisture during winter. Leave your modern humidifier in the W setting. It is the right one for winter.
The correct humidity levels ensure that the indoor plants are alive and healthy. It also keeps the skin moisturized and ensures no bacterial growth—the perfect humidifier settings for this season range between 30 to 40 per cent.
Nowadays, homeowners are lucky because they get humidistats with summer and winter switches. The switch is a single leveller, which pulls in one direction during summer to lower humidity levels and the other direction during winter.
Types of Humidifiers
You can consider price, size, and portability factors when buying humidifiers. The machine's manufacturer matters too. The two common types of humidifiers are;
1. Furnace Humidifier
Furnace humidifiers are easier to use with the HVAC system because you can connect the device to moisten the air coming from the system. The moist air is more comfortable for the skin and your nostrils.
However, depending on the seasons, you should get the correct settings for the furnace humidifier to control the amount of moisture released. Ensure there is no additional moisture in the air during summer, and regulate the amount of vapor produced during winter.
2. Portable Humidifier
If you want to control moisture in certain house rooms, use the portable humidifier. It will keep your indoor air as cool as you like it. However, research well on the pros and cons of these humidifiers before buying.
For example, the portable humidifier requires the homeowner to refill the canister with water before switching it on. They are also high maintenance, and you should clean them often to ensure there are no bacteria and mold.
Benefits of Humidifier Summer Winter Setting
Proper humidifier settings during winter and summer have many advantages. Some of the reasons you need to know the correct settings for your humidifier during winter are;
1. Fewer Wrinkles
Dry skins are more likely to experience early wrinkles due to a lack of moisture. However, high levels of humidity help keep your skin moisturized. Having a humidifier ensures enough humidity in the rooms hence fewer wrinkles.
2. Better Looking Skin
When you expose your skin to moisture, it looks healthy than the dry one. Besides, moist skin is easy to self-repair. Keep your home's humidity between 30 to 40 per cent for healthy skin.
3. Prevention of Influenza
The influenza virus thrives well in areas with a low humidity below 40 per cent, leading to more cold infections. Therefore, maintaining higher levels of humidity, above 40 per cent, reduces the survival of influenza.
Ensure your humidifier is in the correct winter setting to enjoy the above benefits. Those using the device during summer will enjoy the following benefits.
1. Longer Lifespan for the Wood Furniture
During summer, the temperatures are too high, and so is the humidity level. High moisture levels in the house can cause trouble to wooden tables and floors. The wood begins to swell and could later start rotting. Having a humidifier to regulate the moisture levels can prolong the tables' and floor lifespan.
2. Increase Comfort in the House
A too moist environment can increase the chances of mold and bacteria growth. However, moisture control ensures a clean environment with fresh air. This makes the place more comfortable to live in.
Disadvantages of Humidifiers
Everything that has an advantage comes with certain downsides. For example, although moist air is ideal for your home, it can be a breeding ground for molds. Dust mites will also grow in damp conditions, worsening the situation for people with asthma.
The other risks involved with using humidifiers are steam burns from these units. Therefore, it is essential to make sure that you avoid going near the machine. Also, place the device in areas the children cannot reach.
Final Words
Always set the correct humidifier summer/winter setting to enjoy the correct humidity levels during the different seasons. The proper moisture levels keep the house comfortable. Besides, regulating the humidity levels is helpful to people with asthma.
