During the winter, when the air is cold, conditions become excessively dry. Inside the home, with the oil furnace blasting just about non stop, the dry air is a problem, and humidity levels drop so low that it causes damage to home furnishings plus health concerns. The dry air pulls moisture out of everything it touches, including hardwood floors plus antique furniture. When wood dries out, it can crack plus split. Chapped lips, bloody noses, headaches, sore throat plus frequent coughing plus sneezing are just some of the consequences of insufficient humidity. The dry air leads to static shock, frizzy hair plus aggravates symptoms of flu symptom plus asthma. It dries out nasal passages, makes people more susceptible to respiratory infection plus it takes longer to get over illnesses. Because dry air feels colder, it promotes higher thermostat settings. Turning up the temperature on the thermostat adds up to an increase in daily utility bills plus more wear plus tear on the heating system. All of these concerns can be solved with the installation of a whole-house humidifier. There are steam-style, fan-powered plus bypass possibilities available, with all more than two types incorporating directly into the existing heating system. They constantly require only annual service, operate almost silently plus respectfully regulate humidity throughout the entire home. Steam-style humidifiers operate independently from the oil furnace, allowing customized settings. Adding a humidifier improves the health plus comfort of the home plus pays for itself through energy savings. Plus, lessening demands on the heating equipment increases reliability plus extends service life. There’s also the added bonus of reducing impact on the environment.