What is the Best Setting for my Furnace Humidifier in the Winter?
In addition to cold and occasionally frigid temperatures, along with snow and ice, the winter season in the Tri-Cities can also bring very dry indoor air. Why is that? Because your furnace humidifier is working hard to treat the air in your home to make it cozy and warm by adding moisture to the indoor air. This is why being able to adjust your furnace humidifier for the perfect winter settings will help keep your family safe and comfortable for the winter.
When your furnace heats your home, it impacts the indoor air. Indoor humidity levels drop considerably with a drop in outdoor temperatures. When the air in your home is quite dry, it can cause dry skin, itchy eyes, and irritated sinuses and throat. If you are exposed to very dry air for prolonged amounts of time it can lead to inflammation of the mucous membrane lining in the respiratory tract. This increases the risk of infection. This is where a furnace humidifier can help.
Too much humidity in your house – when the outdoor temperature is at freezing or below – can bring about water and ice buildup on windows, and mold can develop along the walls. This is when you should adjust your furnace humidifier, so you can decrease the amount of moisture in the air.
The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) suggests an indoor humidity level in the range of 30 percent to 60 percent. As mentioned earlier, the outdoor air temperature affects the humidity levels in your home. A forced-air heating system contributes to low humidity by replacing the air in your home with drier outdoor air.
All these reasons are just some of the benefits of having the right humidity level in your home during winter.
What is the Appropriate Indoor Humidity Level During Winter?
For the best results, your furnace humidifier should be adjusted according to the outside air temperature. Here are recommendations for indoor humidity levels during winter:
Outside Temperature 20 degrees to 40 degrees Fahrenheit: Your humidity level in your home should not exceed 40 percent;
Outdoor Temperature 10 degrees to 20 degrees Fahrenheit: Keep your indoor humidity level at 25 percent to 30 percent;
For the other three seasons of the year, it is recommended you set your humidity levels with your furnace humidifier to 30 percent to 50 percent based on the climate in the greater Tri-Cities area.
A helpful rule to follow is that the lower the temperature is outside, the lower your humidity level should be in your home. The vast majority of HVAC thermostats allow you to set the humidity level in your home. However, your furnace humidifier is the perfect tool to adjust the moisture content in your indoor air.
The right furnace humidifier settings will ensure your humidity level is precisely where it should be year-round, providing you with safe, healthy, and comfortable air in your home.
Look to Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning for Expert Furnace Installs & Service!
Apollo Heating & Air Conditioning is the Northwest leading provider for heating service for homes and businesses in the Tri-Cities. We not only evaluate and help you control the comfort and quality of your home’s air, we can also offer solutions for managing your energy costs.
At Apollo Heating & Air Conditioning, we understand that the function of your heating system is a high priority. That is why we are committed to exceptional service and repair of your furnace to ensure it works flawlessly this winter.
Learn more by contacting Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning! Call us at (509) 396-COLD (2653).
