When the seasons transition into fall and winter, the humidity in our air drops dramatically. The Mayo Clinic recommends a home humidity level between 30-50%. Anything above that can cause mold and bacteria to grow, and anything below can lead to dry skin/lips, nosebleeds, a sore throat and difficulty sleeping. Your indoor humidity can easily stay within the recommended range during spring and summer, but it quickly dissipates during the colder months. Here are a few ways you can improve your home’s humidity when your air dries up.
Invest in A Large Humidifier
This is the most effective trick on the list, but it’s also the most expensive. The best way to quickly boost your indoor humidity to invest in a humidifier large enough for the job. Most small, affordable humidifiers fail to make significant humidity changes in larger rooms or throughout your home, so spend the extra money to get one large and strong enough to suit your needs.
Houseplants
If you don’t have the money or space for a heavy-duty humidifier, buy some houseplants instead. They look nice in your home and they naturally release moisture into the air through a process called transpiration. Research different plants and their requirements beforehand and only choose plants that can thrive indoors, and that aren’t too difficult for you to look after.
Use an Indoor Drying Rack
Save money and improve your humidity at the same time by using an indoor drying rack. These can be found online or at home improvement stores for anywhere between $20-50. Just load your fresh-washed clothes onto the rack and position it anywhere in your home that needs to be humidified. When your clothes are done drying, these racks can be easily folded and stored away in your closet.
Make the Most of Showers and Baths
Try showering with the bathroom door open to let the steam out. If you have family members or roommates, you might want to let them know beforehand so they don’t unexpectedly walk in. When taking baths, let the water sit in the tub for a while before draining it. The excess steam will evaporate into the air instead of fogging up your mirror, and you’ll be able to get the most out of the water you use on a daily basis.
Let Bowls of Water Evaporate
The last tip on this list is probably the cheapest and easiest one. All you have to do is fill some bowls with water and place them near heat sources and sunny spots. Let the water evaporate and refill the bowls when they’re empty to maintain your home’s humidity.
Improve Indoor Air Quality With Ellis AC
If you’re struggling to improve or maintain your air quality, your HVAC system might be the problem. At Ellis AC, we offer a wide range of quality HVAC services at affordable prices. Our clients come first, and we always strive to give the most helpful service at the best rates. Call or visit our website for a free quote today!