The winters here in Kansas City, Missouri can be rough, with temperatures generally hovering around 20 degrees Fahrenheit. What’s even worse than the bitter cold is the stale, dry air in our homes when we turn the furnace on. This is why using a humidifier is so important during the wintertime. A humidifier is an appliance that works to increase the moisture in the air throughout your house. Here at Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we’re experts when it comes to humidifier installations in Kansas City. Allow us to briefly explain the benefits of using a humidifier during the winter, and what you should do to prepare and maintain your humidifier for the cold months ahead.
The Benefits of Using a Humidifier
- Prevents chapped lips and dry itchy skin
- Helps reduce susceptibility to infection by allowing your throat and nasal passages to expel foreign objects
- Helps relieve the symptoms of asthma, according to the National Institutes of Health
- Keeps your valuable wood furniture from drying out
- Reduces nasal irritation and prevents nosebleeds
Using a Humidifier Requires Proper Prep & Maintenance
As we approach the end of September, now is the perfect time to prep your humidifier for use, before the cold weather sinks in and is here to stay for several months. Follow these important maintenance steps:
- Thoroughly clean your humidifier: Knowing how to properly clean a humidifier is the most important part of preparing your humidifier for use. You should use a soft-bristled brush and a mild cleanser to clean your humidifier, and you should continue this every few days. Using a humidifier leads to the build-up of scale, rust and hard water marks on the unit. It’s important that you use a natural cleaning solution to clean your filter. This is beneficial to allergy and asthma sufferers. Harsh chemical cleansers can leave behind odors and residue that may worsen symptoms. White vinegar is a great natural cleanser you can use to eliminate mineral buildup and disinfect surfaces. When using a humidifier, you can disassemble it based on instructions in the owner’s manual for cleaning purposes.
- Use distilled water to fill your humidifier: It is important that you fill your humidifier with distilled water, as opposed to tap water. Water from the tap contains more mineral content than distilled water. When filled with tap water, your humidifier will release white mineral dust into the indoor air, which can invade your lungs.
- Change the water in your humidifier daily: Once your humidifier is up and running, it is important that you change the water on a daily basis. Water that just stands for long periods of time is a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. You can prevent mold growth by changing the water in your humidifier daily – remember to do so with distilled water.
If you want to improve the overall comfort in your Kansas City home by using a humidifier, please contact us today. Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can install a humidifier for your home, protecting you and your family from the harmful effects of cold, winter air.
