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FAQs About IAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions About Indoor Air Quality)
Why do I need a humidifier?
More and more homeowners are realizing that, during the winter months, they
live in a “sick house”. Family members suffer from dry, itchy skin, parched
throats and annoying coughs. Furniture creaks, floors moan, the piano slips out
of tune and static electricity zaps the cat. In general, everyone feels miser
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able because they’re living in an environment that can be drier than the Sahara
Desert!
Proper home humidification reduces static electricity, revitalizes dry skin and
soothes scratchy throats. It adds moisture to dry, cracked furniture and wilting
houseplants. It protects valuable artwork, antiques and musical instruments. It
even saves money on winter heating bills. That’s because properly humidified
air feels warmer, allowing you to turn your thermostat down a few degrees.
Why should I lower my humidistat setting when the outside temperature
drops?
This practice may seem illogical at first. After all, you increase the temperature
on your thermostat as the weather becomes colder. Why not do the same with
your humidistat?
The answer is that the
relative humidity
(RH) must be reduced in extreme cold
weather to prevent condensation on windows and interior surfaces. Otherwise,
the excess moisture will eventually cause damage to your home.
RH refers to the percentage of water vapor in the air at a specific tempera
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ture. Because air expands when heated, the relative humidity decreases unless
moisture is added. Conversely, air that is cooled contracts, causing relative
humidity to increase until it reaches
dew point
—the temperature at which the
air becomes saturated and water condenses (just as it does on a glass of ice
water on a warm, humid day).
For recommended humidistat settings, refer to the humidistat instructions con
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tained in your humidifier carton.
I just installed a Skuttle humidifier in my house. Why don’t I feel any dif
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ference?
The period of adjustment can take up to three weeks—the time needed for your
furniture, woodwork, floor coverings, plaster and houseplants to absorb their
natural levels of moisture.
Should I run my humidifier during the summer months?
Because, in most areas of the country, summer air is naturally more humid, it is
not necessary to humidify your home until colder weather sets in.
