Dry indoor air can cause irritated skin, scratchy throats, and static shocks. Running heaters during the winter often strips moisture from the air. Dry air makes your home uncomfortable. Installing a whole-house humidifier can restore moisture evenly throughout your home.

Proper humidity levels improve comfort, protect your home, and support better health. Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Cooling in Round Lake, IL is a trusted provider of installation, maintenance, and repairs for whole-house humidifiers. We can help you restore proper humidity levels to create a more comfortable and healthy home.

What Is a Whole-House Humidifier?

We integrate a whole-house humidifier with your HVAC system, and it works to add moisture to the air in your living spaces. Although some homeowners in Illinois use portable humidifiers, they have their limitations. One of the most significant drawbacks is that a portable dehumidifier only treats a single room. You also have to deal with the hassle of constantly refilling the tank with water.

Whole-house humidifiers treat your entire home, and we connect them to your plumbing so that you never have to refill them. There are several options available, depending on your home and HVAC system.

Bypass Humidifiers

Bypass humidifiers work with your furnace. Warm, dry air from your furnace passes over a water panel, which absorbs moisture and humidifies the air. These systems work in conjunction with your HVAC blower fan, eliminating the need for an additional fan.

Fan-Powered Humidifiers

Fan-powered humidifiers operate in a similar manner to bypass humidifiers. The only difference is that fan-powered humidifiers use a fan to force air over the water panel. Fan-powered humidifiers work more efficiently than bypass models.

Steam Humidifiers

Whole-house steam humidifiers heat water in a canister, creating steam that releases into the air through your ductwork. These systems use electricity to create a large amount of steam, making them ideal for larger homes.

Our professionals at Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Cooling can help you select the ideal humidifier for your home. We will perform an in-home evaluation to determine the best fit.

Health Benefits of Proper Humidity

Dry air can irritate your eyes, skin, and nasal passages. You may experience itchy eyes with redness. Your skin can become drier, leading to itching and inflammation. Additionally, your nasal passages can dry out, leading to irritation, swelling, and even nosebleeds.

Humidified air makes it easier to breathe and may reduce allergy and asthma symptoms. This is especially beneficial during cold and flu season.

Studies have shown that sleep improves with humidified air. According to the National Institutes of Health, keeping relative humidity levels between 40% and 50% promotes better sleep.

Dry air is more problematic for children and seniors. They are more likely to develop skin irritations and breathing difficulties. Maintaining consistent humidity levels throughout the winter can help protect your family’s health.

Protecting Your Home and Belongings

Overly dry air is detrimental to some materials. It can cause cracking in your wood furniture, flooring, and paint.

If you have musicians in the home, maintaining proper humidity levels is crucial for protecting their instruments. Pianos, guitars, and other instruments can be susceptible to damage caused by overly dry air, leading to expensive repairs or replacement.

Electronics can also be at risk during the winter because of static electricity. Cold, dry air makes it easier for static charges to build up on surfaces and clothing. When that charge discharges onto a computer, TV, or other device, it can damage sensitive circuits. Even a small electrostatic discharge weakens internal components, eventually leading to premature failure.

Consistent humidity levels can prevent your wood flooring and personal items from damage due to dryness. It will also prevent wallpaper from peeling and paint from cracking. Additionally, a whole-home humidifier can protect your devices from static discharge.

Energy Efficiency and Comfort

Humid air feels warmer in the winter, allowing you to rely less on your furnace or electric heater. This reduces strain on your heating system, helping prolong its life. It may also reduce your energy bills in the long term because you can set your thermostat a few degrees lower.

Convenience of Whole-House Systems

Whole-house systems are a convenient way to add moisture to your home. They run seamlessly in the background, using sensors to detect humidity levels. When humidity levels drop, the system automatically adds moisture to the air. Advanced whole-home humidifiers can even be controlled with your smart thermostat.

Choosing the Right Humidifier for Your Home

Selecting the right whole-house humidifier depends on the size and layout of your home. Smaller homes can benefit from a bypass or fan-powered unit. Steam humidifiers are most effective for larger properties.

It’s essential to consider your HVAC system type to ensure compatibility with the humidifier. Families with children or older adults may need more powerful humidifiers.

Expert help ensures you choose the right humidifier for steady performance. After selecting a model, our technicians install it to provide coverage throughout your home.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Humidifier Effective

A well-maintained humidifier performs better and lasts longer. You must check and clean the water panel or pad regularly to prevent buildup. Mineral deposits can reduce performance, so inspect for scaling regularly to prevent issues.

You should also keep an eye on any leaks or unusual noises that may occur. A professional inspection every season ensures your system runs effectively. During these appointments, we test the function of your humidifier and ensure it works safely. Regular maintenance helps your humidifier deliver consistent comfort throughout the year.

How a Whole-House Humidifier Supports Your HVAC System

When indoor air is too dry, your HVAC system often runs longer and under more strain than necessary. A whole-house humidifier also helps by keeping ductwork, seals, and other components from drying out and cracking. Balanced humidity levels also reduce static electricity, which can interfere with electronics and stress your system. By protecting key components and preventing unnecessary wear, a humidifier can enhance efficiency and prolong the lifespan of your equipment.

Professional Whole-House Humidifier Installation

At Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Cooling, we make adding a whole-house humidifier to your heating system simple and worry-free. Our team evaluates your home’s size, existing ductwork, and heating equipment to recommend the right model for your needs. We handle every part of the installation, from securely connecting the unit to your duct system to ensuring proper water supply and drainage. Once installed, your humidifier works seamlessly with your HVAC system, automatically regulating moisture levels throughout the home. With our expertise, you can enjoy balanced humidity, greater comfort, and peace of mind knowing your system is set up correctly from the start.

Enjoy a Healthier, More Comfortable Home

When it comes to protecting your family, home, and HVAC system, a portable humidifier is not enough. Choosing the right whole-house humidifier ensures long-term benefits. At Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Cooling, we have proudly served the residents of Round Lake and the surrounding areas since 1988. We offer HVAC installation, maintenance plans, and repairs for all systems, including humidifiers and other indoor air quality related equipment.

Contact Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Cooling today to schedule an in-home evaluation and determine the best humidifier for your needs in Round Lake.

Meet the Author
Katie Pisall
Katie Pisall

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