Comfortable Room Temperature

Parents are really concerned about the health of their children. We know here at AirFlow Technology because we get a lot of inquiries about air quality issues when it comes to children.

There are a lot of ways that children are different than adults and their needs vary accordingly. However, when it comes to the ideal humidity level for the air children breathe, it is essentially the same as it is for adults: between 40% and 60%.

If you are getting zapped every time you reach for a lightswitch or you see sparks when you snuggle into a fuzzy blanket or afghan, chances are the humidity in the house is not at that ideal level. To be certain, you can use a simple hygrometer, which is an inexpensive meter that can be found at most hardware, home or discount stores.

Getting zapped and seeing sparks may be an inconvenience, but sleeping in dry air does create health issues. Dry throats and sinuses can lead to inflammation and illness - and those can be harder on children and older adults.

To make sleeping more comfortable, set up a cool mist humidifier in each bedroom. (My husband keeps ours running all day since our bedroom is near the cool air return for the furnace. He says it circulates the moister air throughout the house. I don't know if he is right or not, but it makes him happy.)

Here are a few tips when using a humidifier:

• Just like adults don't want to sleep in damp bed linens, neither do children. And musty linens aren't healthy because of the mildew and mold dangers. So don't point the air nozzle toward the bed or window treatments in the room.
• Clean and change filters regularly. This keeps them running at optimal levels.
• Clean the water reservoir regularly. The actual content of water is different in every home and the minerals and particulates in your water will collect in the reservoir. Keeping it clean removes the residue and keeps it healthier.

Keeping the air at the ideal humidity level during the winter can help everyone in your house stay a little healthier and definitely more comfortable!

-Elaine of the AirFlow Technology Blog Team

For more comfort in your home this winter, install an Airflow Breeze register booster fan. It circulates warmed air and helps maintain temperatures in problem rooms. Save energy, save money and be comfortable!