WHY IS MY THROAT SO DRY?

Q: Why is my throat so dry?

A: Dry air in your home can make your throat feel dry, and cause or aggravate respiratory ailments. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)recommends that your home maintain a humidity level between 30-60%. During extremely cold weather, your home loses humidity to the outdoors and may drop to as low as 10%. A humidifier adds moisture to your indoor air, and can help relieve ailments related to dry respiratory membranes.

HEALTH CONCERNS

Conditioning the amount of moisture in the air is necessary for your family’s health. One of the major causes of respiratory infections is inadequate humidification during cold weather. The start of the heating season each fall causes many people to begin having repeated attacks of winter colds. Winter weather is blamed for these problems, but the actual cause may be dryness which develops in the membranes of the nose, throat and bronchial tubes. Relative humidity also has a significant effect on controlling the occurrence of airborne infections.

OTHER CONCERNS

Dry air can cause more than health problems. Static electricity is a direct result of very dry air. And houseplants can suffer from the “winter drought” caused by low humidity levels. A humidifier can help keep the indoor air comfortably moist, despite conditions of low outdoor humidity.

HUMIDIFIER BENEFITS

With central heating, people are confined indoors with unnaturally dry air for many months each year. Humidifiers help to keep comfortable levels of moisture in the air, and properly maintained levels of humidity are beneficial for your respiratory system.

Whole-house humidifiers work like old-fashioned room humidifiers: they put moisture into the air, making harsh, dry air easier to breathe. And whole-house humidifiers use water mist instead of hot steam, which keeps the entire house at a desired humidity level. No more carrying a humidifier from room to room in the winter.

A humidifier is installed in the ductwork, right beside your furnace. Just select the desired amount of humidity and enjoy the moist air that circulates through your home this winter.

HOW MUCH WATER DOES A HUMIDIFIER USE?

Depending on the model you choose and the size of your home, a humidifier uses from 1.5 to 12 gallons per day when the furnace is operating. This minimal amount of water is enough to raise the humidity to your desired level, but not enough for you to even notice a difference on your water bill.

CHOOSING A HUMIDIFIER THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU

There are a few factors you should take into consideration when purchasing a humidifier for your home.

Consider size. A humidifier’s capacity, or the amount of moisture it can dispense in a given time, should match your particular household’s needs. The capacity is measured as gallons per day of operation. One method that is used to determine the correct size humidifier for your home is by multiplying the total floor area in square feet by the ceiling height. A reputable HVAC dealer can also provide you with additional ways in which you can determine which unit best suits your needs.

Consider cost. Consider not only the purchase price of the unit, but the operating and maintenance costs as well. Some models consume more energy than others, so choosing a model that is right for your home and budget is extremely important. Regular maintenance is necessary to keep your humidifier in top working condition.

HUMIDIFIER INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE

Installing a humidifier is an easy job if you are replacing your furnace. But you can have a humidifier fitted to your current system with minimal labor, since it is installed in the ductwork. It’s also important to properly maintain your humidifier to avoid potential bacterial growth. Periodic cleaning and draining of the reservoir is strongly recommended.

QUALITY DEALERS YOU CAN COUNT ON

Your home comfort system should include enhancements that improve indoor air quality. Ask your dealer about the complete line of indoor air quality solutions from Goodman. Your family’s health and comfort are a priority, and working together, we can help to provide you with a “breath of fresh air.”

Call your local Goodman dealer about updating your home comfort system. The benefits you’ll feel and see will be worth it!

© Copyright Goodman Industries Inc., 1999