I’ve always lived in the northeastern part of the country, where the winter weather is severe.
We usually expect to start up the furnace sometime in early September and keep it running until at least April. The temperature is below freezing for most of those months and often dips well into the negative digits. The windchill can be downright dangerous, and we normally accumulate fifteen inches of snow every year. When the weather is cold, the outside air is very dry. Spending even a few minutes outside results in chapped lips and wind burned cheeks. Inside the house, with the furnace running, the lack of humidity presents a problem. The overly dry air pulls moisture out of everything it touches, including furnishings, skin, hair and clothing. Static shock, frizzy hair, eczema and bloody noses are common concerns. I worry about the hardwood floors and furniture cracking or splitting. When nasal passages are overly dry, it makes us more susceptible to flu and respiratory infections. Sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and sore throat are frequent complaints. I remember, when I was a little girl, my mother used to boil a pot of water on the stove for the sake of the steam. Fortunately, modern innovation has provided a much better solution. I’ve invested in a whole-house humidifier that is installed right inside the heating system. As the air passes through the system, the humidifier introduces essential moisture. Just like my mother used to do, the humidifier turns water into steam and distributes it throughout the house. Because properly humidified air feels warmer, the house is more comfortable and I’m able to lower the thermostat a bit.