Nearly half of the average energy bill is for space heating and cooling. During the winter months, when you are cold to the bones, nothing sounds more cozy and inviting than heat. With our electric and gas heating units, we expect our thermostats to keep us warm and cozy. Most of us, are comfortable with a relative humidity of 50%, plus or minus 10%. In the winter, as our warm air is repeatedly circulated through our heating units, it gets drier, and drier, and drier. As this air gets drier, we get that wonderful dry itchy skin, stuffy nose, chapped lips, static electricity, and that familiar chill to our very core. Why is it, that as the air gets drier, we get colder? Evaporation.

The normal reaction to this chilled feeling is to turn up the thermostat. The thermostat will continue to go up, and up, and up as a result of the cooling effect of evaporation. And, so will the Therms on your heating bill. In lieu of turning up that thermostat, add moisture to your air. In fact, maintaining approximately 50% humidity will allow you to keep your thermostat set up to 5 to 7 degrees cooler in the winter months.

There are several ways to add moisture to the air in your home during these impending cold winter days. A humidifier is a great way to add moisture into a room. Mostly associated with being sick, this little appliance can pull double duty and keep your thermostat in check. Bowls of water around the house will also add moisture to the air. Set the bowls next to your bed, or on tables with floating flowers and/or candles for extra ambience. Another way to add moisture and save energy, hang your wet laundry inside to dry. It will keep the moisture in the air, save the energy from using the dryer, and smell fresh and clean throughout your home. It’s a win-win.

About the Author

Azevedo & Associates is an independently owned and operated real estate brokerage located in Granite Bay, California. Jennifer Azevedo, owner/broker, has over 10 years experience in the industry and is considered “cutting edge” by her peers and other professionals for Azevedo & Associates use of technology, paperless systems, marketing support, “green” business practices, and is a certified EcoBroker. With a mission statement that transcends beyond just real estate, it is infused into the company’s marketing, activities, priorities, and goals. Their mission is to H.E.L.P – Honor. Empower. Listen. Prepare. www.Azevedo-Assoc.com.