Colorado Springs winters are known for cold temperatures, low humidity, and dry indoor air. While your furnace keeps you warm, it also removes moisture from the air, leaving your home uncomfortably dry. The result? Cracked skin, scratchy throats, and even damage to wood furniture or floors. A humidifier can make a world of difference in comfort and health all winter long.
What Does a Humidifier Do?
A humidifier adds moisture to your home’s air, helping maintain a healthy humidity level between
30% and 50%. When humidity drops below that range, the air pulls moisture from your skin, throat, and even your furniture. A humidifier balances your indoor climate—keeping you and your home comfortable during Colorado’s dry season.
There are several types of humidifiers available:
- Portable humidifiers – Small, standalone units ideal for bedrooms or offices.
- Whole-home humidifiers – Integrated into your HVAC system for even, automatic humidity control throughout your house.
Adding a humidifier doesn’t just make the air feel better—it can even help your home feel warmer without turning up the thermostat.
What Does a Humidifier Help With?
Humidifiers provide a range of benefits for your home, health, and comfort:
- Health benefits: Relieves dry skin, chapped lips, sinus irritation, and sore throats.
- Comfort: Keeps indoor air feeling warmer and reduces static electricity.
- Home protection: Prevents wood floors, furniture, and musical instruments from drying out or cracking.
In a dry winter climate like Colorado Springs, maintaining balanced humidity helps you feel healthier, breathe easier, and protect your home from costly damage.
Can You Use Tap Water in a Humidifier?
Yes, you
can use tap water in a humidifier—but
distilled or demineralized water is better. Tap water often contains minerals that can leave white dust on surfaces or promote bacterial growth inside the unit. Over time, this buildup can reduce your humidifier’s efficiency and air quality.
To keep your humidifier performing well:
- Clean it regularly (at least once a week for portable units).
- Replace filters or pads as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Use distilled water when possible to extend the life of your humidifier.
If you have a whole-home humidifier, professional maintenance from
High Altitude Heating and Cooling ensures it stays clean, efficient, and properly balanced with your HVAC system.
Whole-Home vs. Portable Humidifiers: Which Is Right for You?
Both types of humidifiers can improve comfort, but they differ in convenience and coverage:
| Feature |
Portable Humidifier |
Whole-Home Humidifier |
| Coverage |
Single room |
Entire house |
| Maintenance |
Frequent refills and cleanings |
Low maintenance; works with HVAC |
| Cost |
Lower upfront cost |
Higher upfront, long-term savings |
If you’re tired of managing multiple portable units, a
whole-home humidifier offers a permanent, low-maintenance solution that automatically maintains the right humidity throughout your home.
How to Know If Your Home Needs a Humidifier
Not sure whether your indoor air is too dry? Here are some signs to look for:
- Static shocks when touching metal or electronics
- Cracked or dry skin and lips
- Frequent sore throats or sinus irritation
- Wood floors or furniture starting to crack or warp
- Dry, itchy eyes
You can also measure indoor humidity with an inexpensive
hygrometer. If it’s below 30%, it’s time to add moisture back into your air.
Protect Your Home and Health This Winter
Don’t let Colorado’s dry winter air take a toll on your comfort and health. A humidifier can make your home feel warmer, help you breathe easier, and protect the things you love inside your home.
Ready to restore comfort this winter? High Altitude Heating and Cooling can help you find the right
whole-home humidifier that will meet the needs of your house.
