Is the humidity inside your home too low? Dry air can be a real problem when it comes to your family’s comfort and health. Low levels of water vapor in the air can dry out and irritate skin. The respiratory system, which relies on moisture to fight off viruses and bacteria, dries out, making you more susceptible to colds, coughs, and asthma.

Ideal levels of humidity in rooms should range from 30 percent to 50 percent in winter and 40 percent to 50 percent in summer. In dry-air climates, maintaining humidity at these levels demands mechanical assistance. That’s where humidifiers come in. These appliances are designed to add water vapor to the air as needed.

This section of HomeTips explains how humidifiers work and will help you make informed buying decisions as well as guide you through step-by-step care and repair of your humidifier.