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How Heaters and Humidifiers Work Together

Heaters and Humidifiers

When it gets cold outside, keeping your home warm is only half the battle; you also need to keep the air moist to prevent drying out your skin and respiratory system. If you're heating a room with a space heater, you'll likely need to balance that out with a humidifier as well. Here's how heaters and humidifiers work hand-in-hand during the winter months to keep your home comfortable for everyone.

Why should I use a humidifier in the winter?

Home in winter

You notice it every winter when the temperatures drop – the air gets not only cold, but also extremely dry. This is because colder air holds less water vapor than warm air does. The colder the temperature, the drier the air.

Dry air is uncomfortable for many reasons. It can irritate skin, eyes, nose and throat, and can exacerbate breathing conditions like asthma and sinusitis. It can also speed up dehydration, plus dry out wood floors, plants, and other possessions.

Increasing room temperature with a heater doesn’t solve the problem though – while it increases the air’s water capacity, it doesn’t actually add any water vapor to the environment. This is where humidifiers come in.

How do humidifiers work?


Humidifiers perform three basic steps:

  • Pull in air from the environment
  • Mix the air with water vapor from the reservoir contained in the humidifier
  • Expel the moistened air back into the environment

Evaporative, warm mist, and ultrasonic humidifiers all perform this same task a little differently, but generally achieve the same affect.

Why use a humidifier and heater together?

Winter home with fireplace and coffee

By using a heater to increase temperatures then adding water vapor into the air with a humidifier, you can get your home back to a healthy level of humidity.

This benefits both you and your wallet. You may notice a reduction in uncomfortable symptoms and breathing issues, and you may save on your utility bills since the water vapor-rich air will feel warmer at lower temperatures than dry air at higher temperatures.

For more tips on getting ready for winter click here

Using your home's heat source with a humidifier can make a huge difference in everyone's comfort this winter. Stop by the store today and find the right heater or humidifier for you!