Humidifiers are a common sight in homes in the northwest, and for good reason: humidifiers help to control humidity levels in your home, keeping you comfortable and contributing to your health throughout the year. If you don’t already have a humidifier, consider these common benefits of adding a humidifier to your home.
Treating Common Ailments Associated with Dry Air
There are a number of common ailments that are associated with dry air, most of which present themselves during the long, cold northwest winters. By keeping air in a home moist, a humidifier can help to treat (or may even cure) many of these ailments:

• Dry skin;
• Chapped lips;
• Dry nasal passages;
• Irritated/scratchy throat;
• Coughing at night;
• Congestion;
• Bloody nose; and
• The common cold.

In addition to the above, a humidifier may also be used to combat allergies and asthma, and is often recommended by doctors for these conditions. Keep in mind that it is very important to keep a humidifier clean so as to prevent allergen and bacteria build up, which can actually worsen the conditions listed above rather than improve them!
Helping You to Sleep Better
Not only can a humidifier help your skin to stay supple and help to prevent sinus infections and congestion, but a humidifier may also help you to sleep better (which in turn can have a very positive effect on your health and your mood). This is true for two reasons: the use of a humidifier can be used to alleviate snoring (either yours or your partner’s) and may also help to combat sleep apnea. What’s more, many people are also sensitive to dust and dryness when sleeping, especially small children. A humidifier may help your child to get a restful, full night’s sleep.
Air Purification
Many humidifiers come complete with built-in air purification systems, which means that air in your home is cleaned as it is moistened. This is extremely beneficial in all homes, but is especially helpful in homes with pets that track in dust and dander, or homes where mold growth is a problem. Air purification helps to relieve allergies, asthma, and respiratory complications.
Are There Any Downsides to a Humidifier?
The benefits of a humidifier outweigh the disadvantages, of which there are very few. The only real concern with using a humidifier is the failure to clean it, or the failure to monitor humidity levels. If you do decide to purchase a humidifier for your new home in Washington, new home in Oregon or new home in Idaho, be sure to follow the directions for cleaning on a regular basis.
Consider Humidifying Your New Home Today
Increasing humidity levels in your home can help to keep you comfortable year-round. We’ve all sensed the dry air coming out of the vents both during the hot summers and cold winters. There are dozens of humidifier types to choose from, including small, personal humidifiers for a single room to humidifiers for an entire house. It’s never been easier to find a humidifier that works for you and integrates with your home’s existing electricity and plumbing. We here at Hayden Homes are experts when it comes to home convenience and comfort. Check out the Oregon, Washington and Idaho new home pages to find out about new home opportunities that are right for you.