Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers: The Secret to Balancing Moisture in Your Home

How Do Humidifiers Work?

Winter’s cold and dry air cause all kinds of problems, including dry coughs, nosebleeds, and even colds and flus. By adding moisture into that dry air, humidifiers can help treat those irritable conditions and even prevent them.

If you suffer from respiratory issues or perpetually dry skin, consider adding a humidifier this year. The humidity it adds can even help retain heat, which means you won’t have to turn the thermostat up as high—and could even help save you money on energy costs.

Who Should Get a Dehumidifier?

On the flipside, summer can bring high humidity and comfort problems all its own. Allergy and asthma sufferers know too well how mold, mildew, and dust mites flourish in a moisture-rich home.

That’s where dehumidifiers come in. They remove excess moisture from the air to maintain healthy humidity levels (less than 60 percent) in the warmer months. Plus, the less humid your air is, the cooler you’ll feel. So rather than cranking up your A/C, you can opt for a dehumidifier instead and potentially save on energy.