How To Humidify Your House In The Winter

During winter, naturally lower humidity levels and more time spent running a heater can lead to low humidity inside your house. Once relative humidity drops below about 40%, it can be quite unpleasant. Low humidity can cause respiratory issues, rough skin and hair, and static electricity shocks. It may also harm your home by causing wood to shrink or warp. If you want to avoid all the unpleasant effects of low humidity, follow these helpful methods.

Dry Your Laundry on an Indoor Line

When it gets cold, consider using a clothes drying rack inside. This allows the moisture from your freshly washed laundry to naturally humidify your home. Just remember to place the clothes near a radiator or heating vent since it might take them a long time to dry otherwise, and if the clothes aren’t near the heating vent, the moisture won’t disperse into the home as well. If you feel like it still takes too long to dry clothes on the line, consider drying them halfway in the dryer and then letting them air dry the rest of the way. This can still boost humidity quite a bit.

Weatherproof Your Home

When your home is not weatherproofed, your heating system has to run for longer periods of time to actually warm your home. This tends to dry out your home rapidly, making indoor humidity levels uncomfortably low. Adding weatherstripping or additional insulation can solve this problem and boost humidity levels. It also has the benefit of lowering your overall heating costs.

Add More Houseplants to Your Decor

Did you know that plants are constantly releasing water vapor into the air? Using a lot of plants in your home decor can slightly boost humidity. The best plants for increasing humidity are typically large-leafed plants from the tropics. Some good options include philodendrons, palms, and Chinese evergreens. You also get some humidity from the moist earth in a plant’s pot, so it is best to pick moisture-loving plants that require frequent waterings.

Wait to Drain Your Bathwater

Anytime you have warm water standing around, it can be a source of humidity. Therefore, there is no reason to drain your bath the second you get out of the tub. Instead, letting it sit and cool completely will ensure that the humidity from the tub is added to your indoor air. If you prefer to shower instead of bathe, you can get a similar effect by plugging the drain during your shower and letting the shower water stand around for a little while.

Switch to Radiant Heat Methods

If you are looking to upgrade your heating system, it may be helpful to consider options like radiators or heated flooring. Most central heating systems use a fan to move hot air around the home. However, these forced air systems speed up evaporation, drying out the home. Radiant heat systems that allow your indoor air to gently absorb heat and make it easier for humidity to stick around.

Cook on the Stovetop

Skip the oven or slow cooker and cook directly on your stovetop instead. Anytime you are boiling, simmering, or sauteing a food with moisture, you can add some much-needed humidity to your indoor air. Just leave the pot lid and range fan off so that all of the steam can mix in with your air. For maximum humidity, look at foods that contain a lot of water and have a long cook time. Things like soups and stews make a hearty winter meal while also boosting humidity.

Install a Whole-home Humidifier

For ultimate comfort, look into getting a whole-home humidifier. These helpful devices connect to the rest of your HVAC system and add moisture directly to your circulating air. They allow you to fine-tune your humidity levels and keep dry winter air from stripping away moisture. There are several different types of humidifiers to choose from. Some have a water tray that adds moisture by passive evaporation. Others may boil water to create steam for even more humidity.

If you would like help improving the humidity levels of your home, turn to Puyallup Heating & Air Conditioning. Our team is happy to discuss your humidifier needs and help you find the right style for your home. We also help Puyallup residents with other HVAC services, such as installations, repairs, and regular maintenance. Get in touch with us now to schedule your next appointment.