The air in Albuquerque, New Mexico, tends to be especially dry just about all year round.
In the summer, the dry air isn’t too big of a problem.
However, in the winter, the lack of essential moisture makes the air feel colder. It encourages higher thermostat settings. Insufficient humidity creates a bigger workload for the furnace. The heating system runs for longer cycles, draws more energy and causes higher utility bills. There’s an increased risk of malfunction. Overly dry air has also been linked to a long list of health concerns. The air dries out nasal passages and elevates the chance of respiratory infection. It aggravates issues with allergies, asthma, coughing, sneezing and sore throat. Symptoms of dry skin, psoriasis and eczema are aggravated. Insufficient moisture levels can be blamed for headaches, itchy eyes, chapped lips, frizzy hair and difficulty sleeping. Plus, the air sucks moisture out of hardwood furniture and floors and leads to damage. For the weather conditions in Albuquerque, a whole-home humidifier is just about a necessity. The air quality accessory installs into the HVAC system and introduces moisture as the air passes through. It distributes humidity to every room in the house. The system operates quietly and 24/7. It allows customized levels and improves the comfort and the health of the living space. I was able to choose between three different types of humidifiers. There are bypass, steam-style and fan-powered options that each work effectively. I like the steam-style models because they operate independently from the furnace. The system uses electrodes to convert water into steam and requires only annual maintenance.