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GENERAL
INFO
FAQs about IAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions about Indoor Air Quality)
Why do I need a humidifier?
More and more homeowners are realizing that, during the winter months,
they live in a “sick house”. Family members suffer from dry, itchy skin,
parched throats and annoying coughs. Furniture creaks, floors moan, the
piano slips out of tune and static electricity zaps the cat. In general,
everyone feels miserable because they’re living in an environment that
can be drier than the Sahara Desert!
Proper home humidification reduces static electricity, revitalizes dry skin
and soothes scratchy throats. It adds moisture to dry, cracked furniture
and wilting houseplants. It protects valuable artwork, antiques and
musical instruments. It even saves money on winter heating bills. That’s
because properly humidified air feels warmer, allowing you to turn your
thermostat down a few degrees.
Why should I lower my humidistat setting when the outside
temperature drops?
This practice may seem illogical at first. After all, you increase the tem-
perature on your thermostat as the weather becomes colder. Why not do
the same with your humidistat?
The answer is that the
relative humidity
(RH) must be reduced in extreme
cold weather to prevent condensation on windows and interior surfaces.
Otherwise, the excess moisture will eventually cause damage to your
home. RH refers to the percentage of water vapor in the air at a specific
temperature. Because air expands when heated, the relative humidity de-
creases unless moisture is added. Conversely, air that is cooled con-
tracts, causing relative humidity to increase until it reaches
dew point
–
the temperature at which the air becomes saturated and water
condenses (just as it does on a glass of ice water on a warm, humid day).
For recommended humidistat settings, refer to the humidistat instructions
contained in your humidifier carton.
I just installed a Skuttle humidifier in my house. Why don’t I feel any
difference?
The period of adjustment can take up to three weeks – the time needed
for your furniture, woodwork, floor coverings, plaster and houseplants to
absorb their natural levels of moisture.
