Why use a humidifier?
Humidifying an area keeps the air from drying to the point where it begins to cause damage. Extremely dry air can damage furniture, electronics (through static buildup), and even your skin and hair. Most humidifiers can be adjusted to humidify the air to a level that you find comfortable that fits your situation which is perfect for both dry winter months and occasional dry conditions. Higher humidity also helps your body feel warmer. Keeping a room at 40% relative humidity instead of 20%, will make the room seem several degrees warmer.
Humidifying an area keeps the air from drying to the point where it begins to cause damage. Extremely dry air can damage furniture, electronics (through static build-up), and even your skin and hair. Most humidifiers can be adjusted to humidify the air to a level that you find comfortable and that fits your situation – perfect for both dry, winter months and occasional dry days. Higher humidity also helps your body feel warmer. Keeping a room at 40% relative humidity instead of 20% with a humidifier will make the room seem several degrees warmer. The warmer the air feels, the more you can turn down your heat for saving money.
Understanding relative humidity is essential for the safety of your home. A home humidifier is a great appliance for comfortable living, but you need to know how to safely operate it. Dry air can damage your body and household items, moist air is also a problem. In climates where moist air is a problem, dehumidifiers have been introduced. What relative humidity level should you use? The rule of thumb is 30-50%. Use the digital monitor to monitor your humidity level. When the air is too dry: During winter, when the heat is on, the relative humidity in your house can become very low. This is because heated air can hold much more moisture than cold air. So, as the air in your home heats up, it becomes “thirsty” and begins sucking moisture out of surrounding surfaces: plants, walls, furniture, books, paintings, human bodies, everything! Whenever we heat air we dry out the air to uncomfortable and damaging levels. By keeping the humidity above 30%, you can normally turn down your thermostat
The National Institute of Health recommends the use of humidifiers to help relieve congestion from the common cold, flu, allergies and sinus infections. Any time you have congestion, a humidifier may be able to help. They add moisture to the air which will in turn moisten your skin (including nasal passages) and thin some of the mucus in your sinuses. This makes it easier for you to breathe and easier for the mucus to drain. Hello Kitty® 1 Gallon Humidifier: • Adorable child friendly design, perfect for a child’s room • Provides relief for cough, cold and flu symptoms • Recommended non-medicated alternative for children with colds and coughs • Supports easier breathing and congestion relief from allergy and asthmatic type symptoms • Provides moisture for dry coughs, sinus irritation, dry skin • Removable water tank for easy carrying and filling • Night light function • Up to 11 hours running time per tank filling • Auto-shut off when water tank is empty • Variable humidity output regul
The winter months ahead will bring with them colder and drier air which can be dangerous for instruments and bows. Wood absorbs and releases moisture as humidity levels change in the surrounding air. Instruments are, of course, made of wood. Dry air causes wood to release moisture which causes it to shrink and/or shift ever so slightly which for your instrument can lead to cracks and expensive repair bills. Of course most instruments will not crack, but as your instrument dries out, its tone will change, and seldom does it change for the better! Bow horsehair shrinks in dry air which can impair sound quality, or cause the bow to warp, or could even result in a disastrous bow tip break. A good phrase that comes to mind is: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Purchasing a relatively inexpensive humidifier will protect your investment and you to sound your best.
