There are days in Sebastian when humidity levels are so high that residents start hoping for rain to cool things over. In June 2022, for example, the weather stations at the Sebastian Inlet recorded 99% humidity over a few hours on different days. Given Sebastian’s subtropical climate of warm temperatures and high humidity, a whole-house humidifier might seem unnecessary or even counterintuitive; however, many homeowners can benefit from this substantial improvement to indoor air quality.

Whole-Home Humidifiers vs. Portable Dehumidifiers

While Sebastian experiences high humidity overall, there are times when HVAC systems pull moisture out of the air, creating dry pockets within your home. You might be familiar with portable room dehumidifiers, but here we will explain whole-home humidifiers, which improve overall indoor air quality by integrating with HVAC systems. The function of whole-home dehumidifiers is to deliver consistent moisture throughout the house and to all living spaces, thus offering distinct advantages over the portable units you can get at appliance stores.

Beyond the Humidity: How Does a Humidifier Help?

While Sebastian is generally humid, there can be seasonal fluctuations that result in periods of dry air conditions. Humidity levels plummet during these periods, and the resulting dry air can irritate sinuses, worsen allergies, and cause respiratory problems for people who live with health conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and sinusitis.

There are also healthcare considerations concerning dry air for people who suffer from eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. In some patients who deal with migraines, the irritation from dry air can trigger episodes. Some patients who deal with sleep apnea are also sensitive in this regard.

If dry air is a concern for you, Sebastian can be a great place to live because the aforementioned seasonal fluctuations tend to only last a few days before humidity levels return to the 81.13% annual average for the region. The coastal breeze coming from the inlet will ensure that you get all the humidity you need for your sinuses, throat, lungs, and skin to avoid irritation from dry air.

Thus far we have mentioned outdoor air conditions in Sebastian. Things are different when talking about indoor air quality (IAQ), particularly in certain situations that involve people staying in their houses most of the time. This may include homemakers, children, seniors, individuals who work from home, and patients whose health conditions must be managed from home. These are the Sebastian residents that Family Heating and Air, Inc has helped the most with whole-home humidifiers that improve their IAQ and reduce the potential for flare-ups or a health crisis.

How Humidity Factors Into IAQ

Not all of our whole-home humidifier clients request installation because of health concerns. Many do so because of other benefits related to overall IAQ. A humidifying system in your house can also protect wood furnishings that are particularly sensitive to the dry indoor air conditions often caused by heating and cooling. These are mostly hardwoods like mahogany and oak, especially in antique furniture, exotic decorations, and fine woodwind instruments like clarinets.

HVAC systems need to be configured and calibrated for optimal IAQ, of which humidity is a factor along with ventilation, filtration, circulation, and temperature control. On one hand, humidity levels can create a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria; on the other hand, extremely dry indoor air conditions become an irritant and a potential risk of environmental damage to the aforementioned wood objects. Dry air can cause dry, itchy skin and brittle hair, so humidifiers can help improve moisture levels conducive to healthier-looking skin and hair.

Some homeowners in Sebastian are not aware that their IAQ may not be optimal in terms of humidity levels. When air conditioning units are operating at full capacity to reach the lowest settings on the thermostat, moisture is removed from indoor air by the condensation process. You can see the results of the process in the water that collects in the drip pan located beneath the evaporator coil in some HVAC systems. Too much condensation is a sign of humidity below the recommended IAQ levels. An IAQ expert can assess your indoor humidity levels and offer solutions to ensure an optimal environment for your health and comfort.

You Local Heating and Air Team

At Family Heating and Air, Inc, we take pride in helping to improve indoor air quality for homeowners in Sebastian. We can help with any heating and air project, including repairs, maintenance, and installation. For more information about the professional installation of a whole-home humidifier, please contact our office today.

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