Consumer Reports states “ideally, indoor humidity should be 30 to 50 percent. But without humidification, that level can drop to 10 percent in winter, because cold air holds less moisture and dries even more as it’s heated.” See: http://bit.ly/AboutHumidifiers. To many New Yorkers that means nosebleeds, dry irritated sniffly nasal congestion and susceptibility to infections entering via micro cracks inside the mucous membranes.
About.com states “The recommended average relative humidity level is between 35% and 45%. This range will provide the best comfort for your family, while helping to protect your musical instruments, drywall, wooden furniture and other belongings or materials from the damaging effects of dryness or excessive moisture” read more at… http://housewares.about.com/od/humidifiersdehumidifiers/qt/humiditylevels.htm. Kaz states at: http://www.kaz.com/kaz/reduce-survival-flu-viruses-banner-top/ that “a recent study… suggests that maintaining an indoor humidity level between 40-60% can reduce the survival of flu viruses on surfaces and in the air.” That’s great news!
If you are a fan of Slant/Fin like me, they started in 1926 in upstate New York and remain a family-owned operation. Honeywell licenses their trademark to Kaz and Kaz bought Slant/Fin. Their website http://www.slantfin.com/contact.php states “Slant/Fin has sold the humidifier and PC-55 air purifier business to KAZ USA Inc. If you need replacement parts, repairs, or have any questions regarding the products, please contact them at:
KAZ, Consumer Relations Dept.
250 Turnpike rd., Southborough, MA 01772
Phone: 800-477-0457
email: info@kaz.com”
I’m investigating humidifiers myself right now because I didn’t do the necessary regular maintenance and cleaning on my current humidifier, so the stream of moist air that used to rise has disappeared. I thought I could make up for it by soaking the reservoirs in vinegar for 60m instead of 30m, but to no avail. So make sure you protect your investment by scheduling time for the maintenance. Here’s misting you!
