Humidity in Colder Months for Comfort

Raise the Humidity in Your Home to Make it Feel Warmer during the Colder Months ~ If you find there is static in your home from cold temperatures and dry air, keep a pot of water simmering on the stove (low heat), but make sure it doesn't go dry.  Humidity in the air will make your home feel much more comfortable in the winter. 

 

This was a tip in last month's edition, but Brenda Nolen in South Carolina sent an additional useful tip:

 

Last winter I started using the mini crockpots or this purpose.  I use one on the kitchen counter during the day and one in each bedroom at night.  It takes some thought to unplug them in the morning and at night, but has made a huge difference for us!!  If I forget at night, our sinuses are much dryer the next morning.  Using distilled water in them will prevent mineral deposits from building up.

 

I use the crockpot uncovered.  During the day, you can see the steam rippling into the air.  Since the crockpot is not heating to a high temperature, it isn't putting enough heat or moisture into the air to cause damage to anything.  I don't even have moisture buildup on the surface it is setting on!  We have gas heat which tends to dry the air, so the crockpot adds just enough moisture!

 

Precautionary Measures:
1.  I wouldn't recommend using the same mini crock pot day and night.  Just to be safe, let it cool off to keep from overheating.

 

2. For families with little ones, be sure to place the crockpot where it cannot be touched or spilled.  Though the water is not extremely hot, it is still hot enough to harm tender skin.  The outside of my units get hot enough to burn little fingers.

3.  On extremely cold days, if you notice a buildup of moisture on the windows to the point of dripping onto the wood trim, that is an indication that there is too much moisture in the air, so adjust accordingly.