Don't Let Winter Dry You Out: Why Humidifiers Are a Must-Have for Des Moines Homes

Winter in Des Moines always seems to flip the switch fast. One week you’re still raking leaves, and the next you’re digging out heavy coats and running the furnace around the clock. With the cold comes something every homeowner here knows all too well: dry air inside the house.

Chapped lips, itchy skin, scratchy throats, and even those little static shocks every time you touch a doorknob. They don’t seem like much at first, but together they’re clear signs that the air in your home is too dry.

The Problem with Des Moines Winters

Cold air can’t hold much moisture. By the time that freezing air makes its way inside and your furnace warms it up, the humidity drops even further. That’s why your home starts to feel so dry once winter settles in.

In Des Moines, winter usually means long stretches of below-freezing days, with highs in the 20s or 30s and plenty of snow and wind. The furnace does its job keeping you warm, but it also strips even more moisture out of the air.

What does that dry air mean for your family and your house?

• Dry skin and lips. Lotion helps for a little while, but the air itself keeps pulling moisture out of your skin.
• Irritated sinuses and throats. When nasal passages dry out, they cannot trap germs as easily, which makes you more likely to catch colds and flu.
• Static shocks. Folding laundry or touching a light switch turns into a surprise jolt.
• Home damage. Wood floors, trim, and furniture start to crack or warp. Paint may peel. Even houseplants can suffer.

If you have lived here a while, you have probably seen all of this firsthand.

The Humidifier Solution: More Than Just Comfort

So how does a humidifier help? It puts moisture back into the air, raising indoor humidity levels into a range that feels better and is healthier for your family.

Here are some of the ways a humidifier in winter makes a difference:

Health Benefits

• Relief for skin, throat, and sinuses. Moist air helps your body stay hydrated and less irritated.
• Less snoring. A throat that is not dried out can help some people snore less.
• Soothing when you are sick. Humid air makes it easier to breathe with a cold and can even help you recover faster.
• Better for breathing issues. People with asthma or allergies often notice less irritation when the air is not so dry.

Home Protection

• Protects wood. Floors, trim, doors, and furniture hold up better when humidity is balanced.
• Protects paint and wallpaper. Dry air can lead to cracking and peeling. Humidifiers help keep these finishes in good condition
• Preventing static electricity. Des Moines’s dry winter air is a major cause of static electricity buildup. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which helps dissipate static charges.
• Helps houseplants thrive. Dry air makes plants wilt, but a little extra moisture keeps them green.

There is also an energy perk. Moist air holds heat better than dry air. With the right humidity, you can lower your thermostat a couple of degrees and still feel comfortable, which can shave money off your heating bills.

What is the Right Humidifier for Your Home?

Whole-home humidifiers come in a few styles, and the right choice depends on the size of your house and what you want out of the system.

• Steam humidifiers. These make steam and push it into your ductwork. They are strong enough for larger homes in Des Moines where keeping a steady humidity level is tough.
• Bypass humidifiers. These tie into your duct system and use your furnace’s airflow to move moisture. They are simple and low maintenance.
• Fan-powered humidifiers. These use a fan to blow air across a water panel. They are good for medium homes and work well in tighter spaces.

Not sure which one fits your home? That is where Green’s comes in. Our team can look at your system and explain what will work best for your family.

Why Choose Green’s for Your Humidifier Needs?

Green’s Appliance, Heating & Cooling has been serving Des Moines homeowners since 1958. More than 60 years of experience means we know what local winters are like and how to make homes more comfortable through them.

Here is why families keep choosing us:

• Certified technicians. Our team is NATE certified and trained to work on all types of humidifiers.
• Straightforward pricing. You will know the cost before we start. No surprises after the fact.
• Local service. We are based right here in Des Moines and have built our reputation on being dependable.
• We stand behind our work. Every installation and tune-up is done with care so you get the long-lasting results you expect.

When dry winter air hits, you want someone who understands both the climate and the systems inside your home. That is exactly what you get with Green’s.

Ready to Add a Humidifier to Your Des Moines Home?

Winter in Des Moines does not have to mean cracked lips, static shocks, or creaky floors. A humidifier in winter can solve those problems and help your home feel warmer, healthier, and more comfortable.

If you are ready to learn more, call Green’s Appliance, Heating & Cooling today or schedule a consultation online. We will help you pick the right humidifier for your home and install it the right way. With more than six decades of service in the Des Moines area, you can trust us to keep your family comfortable no matter how dry the air gets outside.