Name: Bounds Heating & Air
Address: 25645 West, Newberry Road, Newberry, FL, 32669
Telephone: 352-472-2761

Humidifiers vs. Dehumidifiers: When Should You Use Them?

Humidifiers and dehumidifiers are essential for keeping indoor humidity within healthy levels, especially if you live in an area that experiences humidity extremes. Your HVAC repair expert, Bounds Heating and Air takes a closer look at humidifiers and dehumidifiers, and when you should use them.

Differences Between Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers

There are several factors that affect humidity levels in a home: proximity to bodies of water, weather, and even daily activities such as washing the laundry, cooking, and bathing. Basically, humidifiers and dehumidifiers control moisture levels in the air. The former increases humidity, while the latter decrease it.

There are several types of humidifiers available. The simplest of these, called warm mist humidifiers, boil water and release steam into the room. Aromatic or antibacterial compounds can be added to the water. Cool mist humidifiers are devices that blow moisture using evaporative fans, diffusers, or ultrasonic membranes.

Dehumidifiers can either use materials that absorb moisture, like desiccants, or condensation. Air conditioners belong to the latter category, as an AC pulls moisture from the air to a lesser degree. Note that the more complicated the humidifier or dehumidifier is, the more likely it will require regular HVAC maintenance from experts like Bounds Heating and Air.

Why Should You Use a Humidifier or a Dehumidifier?

The ideal humidity level is between 30% to 50%. Humidity outside these levels allows mold, mildew, and the flu virus to thrive. If the air is too dry, you’ll notice signs such as chapped lips and dry and itchy skin. Too wet, and you’ll notice signs like frizzy hair and cold, clammy bed sheets. If you have items like books or wooden musical instruments, then keeping the humidity within ideal levels at all times is important. You can use a hygrometer to measure the humidity levels in your home, which can help you decide if you need a humidifier or dehumidifier.

For help in buying a humidifier or a dehumidifier, or to get air conditioning repair services, call Bounds Heating and Air today at 352-472-2761. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule a free estimate. We serve Alachua, FL, and surrounding areas in Florida.

How a Humidifier Can Improve Your Home’s Air Quality

Humidity plays a crucial role in keeping your home comfortable. While there are various ways to enhance the comfort in your home, only a humidifier can address certain issues. In this article from your trusted air conditioning repair company, Bounds Heating & Air, you’ll find out exactly how a humidifier can help improve your home’s indoor air quality.

What Is Indoor Air Quality?

Indoor air quality (IAQ) pertains to the quality of air within a certain building or establishment such as a residential property. IAQ can affect the health and the overall quality of life of the building occupants. This is why it’s important to find ways to improve your home’s air quality. Getting a humidifier is one way to solve your problem.

Defining the Humidifier

A humidifier is an electric unit that adds moisture to the air by producing mist or steam in the room where it is located. You can choose from an array of different humidifier models such as compact, personal, and portable. There are also floor consoles and whole-house variants. Price points depend on different styles and sizes. Choosing a humidifier can get overwhelming, but you can always consult your HVAC maintenance company for their recommendations.

Uses of Humidifier

Humidifiers combat dry air. With a humidifier, you can say goodbye to chapped lips, coughing due to pollutants, and static electricity. Humidifiers can also prevent wooden furniture from cracking prematurely. Humidifiers can be used all year round: in the summer when it’s hot and even during winter when the air tends to be dry. Keep in mind that the average relative humidity level should be kept between 35-45%.

Consult your HVAC repair company on how to maintain the ideal humidity levels in your home. Bounds Heating & Air is committed to giving you excellent services and outstanding workmanship. Turn to us for all your heating and cooling needs. You may call us at (352) 278-9123. We serve Lake City, FL, and other areas in Florida.

Pros and Cons of Different Humidifiers

One of the best installations for HVAC maintenance is a humidifier. With it, you can control how much moisture goes in the air. There are four different types of humidifiers to choose from steam, impeller, ultrasonic, and evaporative. At Bounds Heating & Air, we’ve provided homeowners the pros and cons of each one.

Steam

Steam humidifiers are known as “vaporizers”, and boil water to circulate steam in the air.

Pros: Vaporizers are the most common and affordable. They are also highly recommended to help against coughing fits.

Cons: With a low price tag, the vaporizer surprisingly clocks in as the most energy inefficient. If left unchecked, they could also cause a burn on unsuspecting users.

Impeller

Impeller humidifiers use a diffuser to cool the air, transforming water into droplets that circulate throughout your home. They are also called “cool mist” humidifiers, due to the fog that they leave behind.

Pros: They require less cleaning, so you can save on HVAC repair and maintenance. They are also very quiet, so you won’t be bothered by any unexpected noise.

Cons: The units need to have their water changed regularly. Otherwise, the water will stagnate and release bacteria with the fog.

Ultrasonic

Ultrasonic humidifiers are similar to the impeller, differing only in that they rely on vibrations to create the water droplets.

Pros: Unlike the impellers, ultrasonics have antibacterial filters. This helps solve the water maintenance issue. Some units can switch between warm and cool, to fit the different seasons.

Cons: Some units release white dust, which contains bacteria and can be harmful to air quality. Check carefully for more advanced units, which clean this off.

Evaporative

Evaporative humidifiers differ by using the existing air of your home, then filtering it through a moist cloth or a wick.

Pros: It can reduce the need for HVAC and air conditioning repair because it is low-maintenance. You only need to switch out the cloth on occasion.

Cons: Evaporative humidifiers can be very noisy, so it should be installed in areas where it can reach all rooms without waking up anybody.

Bounds Heating & Air provides different air conditioning, heating, and humidifier units for your home. Call us at352-472-2761 or fill out our contact form to request a free quote. We serve many areas in Florida, including Gainesville, FL.

Are Humidifiers Useful During the Winter?

It’s officially winter — which means it’s time to combat the dry air. One of the best ways to regulate your home air quality during the cooler months is by using a humidifier. Humidifiers emit moisture back into the air which not only increases comfort but also has an array of health benefits. Our team at Bounds Heating & Air is here to help you and your family endure this winter in comfort!

Reduce Germs

It’s cold and flu season, so don’t let your guard down! During the winter, colds spread faster than during any other season because germs and bacteria travel faster in dry air. Because moisturized air reduces the speed that germs spread, humidifiers can be useful around the house. Along with reducing the chances of catching a cold, the warm, moist air put out by humidifiers also helps keep your respiratory system clear.

Improve Your Sleeping Patterns

Did you know that humidifiers can alleviate snoring? This is because one major cause of snoring is having dry sinuses or a dry throat. If you or your partner has issues with snoring, give a humidifier a try (you can thank us for the extra sleep)!

Healthy Houseplants

There is an array of houseplants that can help improve your home air quality, although plants must be healthy in order to perform properly. Humidifiers keep houseplants healthy throughout the dry winters by helping them avoid dry soil or sick leaves.

Protect Wooden Furnishing

Humidifiers are not only good for your health during the winter, but they also help with the health of your wood furnishings. Dry air in your home can potentially cause molding and doors or moldings to crack. Moisture from a humidifier allows your wooden furnishings to retain moisture and preserve appearance.

Reduce Energy Bills

If you live in Florida, you’re probably aware that moisture makes the air feel warmer. So why not use humidifiers to help emit moisture into the air in your home? This will allow your HVAC system not to work as hard, and lower your energy bill as a result.

Interested in learning new ways to improve the indoor air quality in your home? Feel free to give us a call here at Bounds Heating & Air for expert advice! 352-472-2761

How to Prevent Mold Growth in Your Home

Mold’s microscopic spores can get into your Gainesville, Florida, home through your HVAC system, gaps in your insulation, doors, and windows. It’s impossible to keep all mold spores out, and mold can grow almost anywhere. Some molds cause flu-like symptoms and aggravate allergies and asthma. You can prevent mold growth and improve your indoor air quality by controlling the humidity in your home, adding ventilation, and using a UV lamp to kill mold spores.

Controlling Humidity

Mold can’t grow without moisture, so controlling humidity can prevent it from forming in your home. Signs of high humidity include condensation on walls, windows, or pipes. You can use a dehumidifier to get rid of condensation. Whole-home models connect directly to your ductwork and dehumidify your entire home. Portable dehumidifiers are less expensive, but they only work in smaller areas. Make sure your gutters direct water at least 10 feet away from your home to prevent water damage and mold near your foundation.

Ventilation

Ventilation removes stale air and mold spores and brings fresh air into your home. Energy recovery ventilators or ERVs use a filter to remove any contaminants so they can introduce fresh air. These ERVs also have a heat exchanger that works like a heat pump, using energy from the outgoing stale air to condition the incoming fresh air. This is more efficient than using your heater or air conditioner. You should also use a vent or exhaust fan when you cook, shower, or do laundry.

Adding a UV Lamp

A UV lamp also called a UV air purifier, kills mold, bacteria, viruses, and dust mites by damaging their genetic structure. Coil sterilization lights attach to the inside of your HVAC system’s air handler with a strong magnet to stop mold growth that results from condensation on the coil. You can also install an air sterilization UV lamp in your ductwork that only turns on when you use your HVAC system. That way, it will use less energy.

Bounds Heating & Air can help you prevent mold and improve your indoor air quality. We install, maintain, and repair equipment for all your HVAC needs. Call us anytime at 352-472-2761.

Category: Humidifier

Bounds Heating & Air provides different air conditioning, heating, and humidifier units for your home. Call us at352-472-2761 or fill out our contact form to request a free quote. We serve many areas in Florida, including Gainesville, FL.

Controlling Humidity

Ventilation

Adding a UV Lamp