Pittsburgh winters are challenging for everyone and everything, especially your HVAC system. One day, it’s freezing, the next, it’s mild, and those frigid stretches force your HVAC system into overdrive. While it keeps your home warm, it might also be the reason behind your dry skin, scratchy throat, and nagging cough.
At Spurk HVAC, we know the impact of dry winter air. That’s why we know a whole-house humidifier isn’t just a luxury—it’s a game-changer. In this article, we’ll explore how dry air affects your home and health and share how a whole-house humidifier can transform your space into a haven of year-round comfort.
How does dry air affect your health and home?
Poor indoor air quality can impact your home and, more importantly, your health. Dry air can lead to:
- Respiratory Problems
Cold, dry air pulls moisture from your nose and mouth, drying your nasal passages, throat, and lungs. This can lead to nosebleeds, persistent coughs, and triggering conditions like asthma, allergies, and bronchitis. - Poor Indoor Air Quality
Low humidity and Pittsburgh’s increasingly polluted environment allow dust and allergens to circulate more freely, aggravating respiratory issues and allergies. - Irritated Eyes, Dry Skin and Lips
Insufficient moisture can dry out your eyes, leading to redness and discomfort. Similarly, dry air depletes skin moisture, causing cracked skin and chapped lips that worsen during the cold months. - Home Damage
Excessively dry air can damage furniture, flooring, and wooden doors by causing them to shrink, crack, or warp over time. - Increased Static Electricity
Low humidity levels boost static electricity, which can be annoying and potentially harmful to sensitive electronics.
How can I increase humidity in my home?
A whole-house humidifier is the best way to combat dry air. It can be quickly installed and work seamlessly with your existing HVAC system. Keeping indoor humidity between 30-50% boosts comfort, improves air quality, protects your home from damage caused by dry air, and reduces stress on your heating system. Adding a humidifier to your HVAC system provides a long-lasting solution that creates a healthier, more comfortable home year-round.
What are the Benefits of a Humidifier?
There are many benefits whole-house humidifiers present to Pittsburgh homeowners:
- Improves Health
With ideal indoor humidity levels set between 30% and 50%, health issues such as respiratory issues, dry skin and eyes, and the spread of allergens and irritants are significantly reduced. - Regulates Humidity Levels
This system regulates indoor humidity levels throughout your house, creating a more comfortable environment and reducing energy consumption. - Reduces Energy Bills
Because humid air feels warmer, your heating system can operate at a lower temperature, potentially saving energy. - Requires Little Maintenance
Unlike portable humidifiers, furnace humidifiers are low-maintenance, highly reliable, and provide consistent whole-home comfort.
What whole-house humidifier options do I have?
There are two kinds of whole-house humidifiers you can choose from this winter.
- Bypass Humidifier
Reliable, efficient, affordable
Ideal for homes up to 3,500 square feet.A bypass humidifier integrates with your HVAC system to efficiently add moisture to your home’s air. Installed on your ductwork, it uses your furnace’s airflow to evaporate water. While quieter and more energy-efficient than fan-powered models, it lacks a built-in fan and may take longer to humidify your space.
Whole-House Small Bypass Evaporative Humidifier
Aprilaire 500At Spurk HVAC, we recommend the Aprilaire 500 Whole House Small Bypass Evaporative Humidifier for its reliable performance, efficiency, and easy maintenance.
- Fan-Powered Evaporative Humidifier
Durable, powerful, efficient
Ideal for homes up to 6,250 square feet.
Unlike bypass models, fan-powered humidifiers like the Aprilaire 720 with Hydrocare™ Technology use a built-in fan to pull air through a moistened filter. This speeds up evaporation and efficiently distributes humidity throughout larger homes or spaces with higher airflow needs.
Hydrocare™ Technology helps reduce scale buildup, ensuring long-term efficiency with minimal maintenance—providing a hassle-free way to maintain optimal indoor humidity.
At Spurk HVAC, we recommend the Aprilaire 720 Fan-Powered Evaporative Humidifier for its high performance and low maintenance.
Add a Whole-House Humidifier With Spurk HVAC This Winter
Adding a whole-house humidifier to your home this winter can significantly improve indoor comfort and air quality, and Spurk HVAC is here to make the process smooth and hassle-free. Our team of skilled and trained technicians has extensive knowledge of HVAC systems and humidification solutions, ensuring you get the best humidifier for your home’s size, layout, and specific needs.
Whether you’re considering a bypass or fan-powered humidifier, we’ll guide you through the options and help you choose the right fit for your space. Plus, our team is always ready to answer any questions and provide education on proper maintenance and operation, ensuring your system runs smoothly for years.
Start with a Free Consultation to Learn Your Humidifier Options
A whole-house humidifier is the perfect solution for Pittsburgh’s unpredictable winter. These systems maintain optimal humidity levels, improving health, protecting the home, and enhancing energy efficiency. You’ll see that it’s a worthwhile investment.
Are you considering installing a whole-house humidifier or maintaining your heating system? Spurk HVAC is here to help. Call today, and our expert technicians will answer your questions and recommend the best solutions to keep your Pittsburgh home comfortable this winter.
