Humidifiers Take Good Water Only
During winter, it gets harder to keep your home air at a comfortable level. Even cranking up the thermostat doesn’t always do the trick. That’s because your comfort depends not just on temperature but also the level of moisture in the air.
Winter air is drier. And, even if it wasn’t, the cold air that follows you in through your front door each time can still lower the relative humidity of your home as it heats up and expands. You can’t keep your home completely sealed up, so, you gradually end up with air that’s too dry for comfort.
Which is why many people like to use a humidifier through the winter month. If you haven’t tried one yet, you should absolutely give it a go.
Using a Humidifier is a Good Idea in Winter
Living with too little moisture in your air isn’t just uncomfortable. A low-humidity environment can actually cause some mild physical effects in the body. If your three-year old has ever woken up with a nosebleed in the middle of a winter night, you know exactly what we’re talking about.
And it isn’t just the little ones that are prone. Everyone is more vulnerable when living in dry air conditions.
According to Healthline, the effects of prolonged exposure to air with low-moisture content can include:
- Dry skin
- Nose irritation
- Sinus congestion
- Headaches
- Irritated vocal cords
- Dry cough
- Cracked lips
The good news is that all of these are easily prevented. All it takes is being a bit more mindful and purposeful about water. Which is actually the premise behind the Primo Lifestyle.
What Kind of Water Should You Use in Your Humidifier?
Ok, so you’re ready to give a humidifier a try. But, if you’re heading to your bathroom sink to fill up the tank, you may want to reconsider.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) both advise against putting tap water in your humidifier.
Why?
Because tap water contains minerals and other additives which provide a friendly environment for bacteria to grow, both inside your humidifier and after they are dispersed throughout the room.
So, tap water isn’t the safest choice. What is?
The CPSC and EPA both recommend distilled water for use with your humidifier. However, the intent behind that recommendation is to use water with as little potentially harmful substances in it as possible. In which case, demineralized or purified water, like Primo water, also meet the requirement and are safe to use.
How to Use Your Humidifier Properly
Is there anything else you should know about your new humidifier? There are a few things to consider.
Too humid isn’t good, either
Too-dry air isn’t good. Too moist? Not preferable, either. You really need to be in that Goldilocks zone.
“While moisture can be a positive thing, it also poses problems,” says Janice Nolen, an indoor air specialist and assistant vice president for national policy at the American Lung Association. “Moist environments provide a wonderful breeding ground for mold and bacteria.”
You really need to be in that humidity Goldilocks zone. What is it? The EPA recommends between 25 and 40 percent relative humidity inside your home in winter (60 percent in the summer)
Many humidifiers come with a built-in humidistat or hygrometer to help you monitor relative humidity. But, if yours doesn’t, you can easily get one online.
Keep Your Humidifiers Extra Clean
Sounds like a no-brainer. But remember, those moist environments are a breeding ground for bad stuff. And, if it’s growing inside the tank of your humidifier, you’re going to be breathing it in.
So, don’t ignore those manufacturer’s instruction that come with your unit. Be vigilant in following the prescribed methods and frequency of cleaning.
Don’t Let Water Sit in the Tank
You also shouldn’t leave unused water inside your humidifier for too long. A couple of days isn’t much in the grand scheme of things, but it’s enough time to potentially cause a problem. It’s safer to just empty out any remaining contents from your tank after each use.
Get More Water-Conscious by Joining the Primo Lifestyle
Want a great New Year’s resolution that’s easy to keep? Join the Primo Lifestyle and get more intentional about how you use water. That can help keep your home and body properly hydrated.
Find the perfect Primo water dispenser to help you get started at www.primowater.com.