Asthma negatively impacts the lives of over 25 million Americans. As a common and very frustrating (occasionally even scary) issue, it’s natural that many of us look to improving air quality in order to mitigate symptoms. Wondering if you might benefit from a whole-home humidifier? Find your answers today!
How Humidifiers Might Help (or Potentially Hurt)
Does a humidifier impact asthma? Yes, it sure does! Just as anything that has an impact on air quality would. The issue at hand is about creating the correct balance. If relative humidity levels in your home are too low, it can hurt asthma and exacerbate its symptoms. But so can humidity levels that are too high.
The core issue of asthma is that it makes it particularly difficult to breathe, and extremes of the humidity scale in either direction can exacerbate the issue and make the problem that much worse. Each humidity extreme impacts the problem in different ways.
Low Humidity’s Impact on Asthma
Common triggers for increased asthma symptoms include pollen, dust, and dander. This can be even more problematic in homes that are too dry, as dry air readily carries around allergens in higher quantities. That means more junk blowing around in the air, and eventually more junk finding its way into your nasal passages.
High Humidity’s Impact on Asthma
While humid air actually carries less allergens overall (where dust and pollen are concerned, at least), it still creates different problems with similar results. Air that is more dense with moisture is naturally thicker, and thus intrinsically harder to breathe—something that those of us with asthma do not want at all. Additionally high humidity levels can engender mold and mildew growth, both of which can worsen an already serious problem.
So What’s The Solution?
The solution lies in balance. Relative humidity in the home should be roughly between 30 and 50 percent. In a perfect world, it would be closer to the 30 for those of us who deal with asthma. So what exactly you need is going to depend on where you currently sit on the scale.
Is the air in your home too dry, and are you constantly wrestling with dust and dust mites? Then a humidifier might be exactly what you’re looking for! But if you already find the air in your home plenty thick, and in fact would like it to be less so, then a dehumidifier is more along the lines of what would work best for you.
We know this can get a bit confusing! That’s why working with air quality experts is your best bet for the perfect solution. Experts carry the right knowledge to help you find the ideal option, and the tools to get you that option in a quick and accurate fashion.
Humidifier Installation in Somers Point, NJ
Humidifiers are commonly used in homes to relieve the physical discomforts of dry nose, throat, lips, and skin; the moisture added to dry air also helps relieve common irritants during winter, such as static electricity, peeling wallpaper, and cracks in drywall and furniture. We also carry a wide range of zoning products. These can help control the temperature in your home by creating separate zones that maximize your heating and air conditioning system efficiency and increase comfort overall.
To find out if a humidifier is the solution you’ve been looking for, or to schedule installation, contact McAllister today!
