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. And bothersome static electricity increases.

Ideal levels of humidity in rooms should range from 30 to 50 percent in the winter and from 40 to 50 percent in the 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.

Humidifiers use several different technologies to do their job. And they come in types and sizes, from small tabletop units to room-size humidifiers, to whole-house models that work in tandem with the home's central heating system.

The articles listed below explain how humidifiers work and will help you make informed buying decisions. They will also guide you through step-by-step care and repair of your humidifier.