How to Maintain Humidity Level in Home?

We need to maintain proper humidity level in the house. If the humidity is too low then we have dry skin.  Low humidity causes dry nose, skin and throat.  It also creates static electricity which is pretty annoying.  It effects wood and dry wall.  On the other hand high humidity can cause mold and rot.  It will cause the wall paper and the paint to peel off the walls.

Maintain the relative humidity in your home between 30% and 50% if possible. Humidity levels above 60% may allow moisture to build up indoors and condense on surfaces, where bacteria and fungi can settle and grow. This is as per CPSC recommendations.

You can check humidity levels with Hygrometer.  Search Amazon.com for hygrometer


If  humidity level is low then you can add humidity with humidifiers.  This is very common in winter as heating makes the air too dry.   It is best to buy humidifier with built in humidity level display.  It takes away the guess work.  Search Amazon.com for humidifiers for home.


Too much humidity creates its own problems.  Humid air can cause mold and mildew to grow inside homes.  

To reduce humidity use dehumidifiers,  dehumidifier is typically a household appliance that reduces the level of humidity in the air and these can guard against mold and other allergens.

Humidifiers

Humidifiers Need Regular Cleaning During Winter Months

    How to clean humidifier? As lot of us in cold climate are using heat to heat our houses and run in to the problem of the dry air and then we use humidifiers.  Humidifiers need special care as they may become source of airborne microorganism.   Below is recommendation by the CPSC.

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs

Portable Humidifiers Need Regular Cleaning During Winter Months

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- With the onset of cold weather, many consumers are turning up the heat and turning on the humidifier. It's a good time to review the importance of keeping your humidifier clean. Without regular cleaning and maintenance, microorganisms can grow in the humidifier's tank and possibly become airborne. These microorganisms have the potential to cause respiratory problems, so the prudent thing to do is always keep the humidifier clean.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) recommend that consumers always clean new portable humidifiers before the first use, and regularly thereafter.

All humidifiers perform an important function -- adding moisture to dry, indoor air -- and several types of portable models are available to do the job.

Portable humidifiers include all types except furnace- mounted varieties and range in size from small, table-top units to floor consoles. Units designed for single room use include steam vaporizers, cool mist impeller humidifiers, and ultrasonic humidifiers. Two other types -- warm mist humidifiers and evaporative and wicking humidifiers -- come in a smaller size for single rooms or larger size for multiple rooms.

Some units may require special maintenance steps so carefully follow the manufacturer's cleaning directions. In general, these are the "basics."

For portable humidifiers with capacities under five gallons:

• Clean Daily
• Empty leftover water, wipe all surfaces dry with a soft towel, and refill with clean water.
• Sanitize Every Seven Days
• Empty leftover water and fill with a weak bleach solution (one teaspoon bleach per gallon of water). Let the solution "soak" for 20 minutes, swishing it around the sides every few minutes. Rinse with water until you can no longer smell bleach. Remove any scale or mineral deposits using a soft brush or towel and a vinegar solution (half vinegar, half water).

For portable humidifiers with capacities of five gallons or more:

• Sanitize Every Two Weeks
• Follow the sanitizing instructions above and refer to the manufacturers' directions for additional information.
• Besides frequent cleaning, manufacturers recommend these maintenance and safety tips for good humidifier performance.

1. At the start of the humidifier season, clean the humidifier first before operating it.
2. Disconnect the appliance whenever cleaning or filling.
3. Always use clean water for cleaning and filling. (Although most humidifiers use tap water, distilled water is recommended by some.)
4. Position the humidifier where air circulates freely, preferably near a return air register.
5. Don't over-humidify. A sign of too much humidity is moisture on walls or windows.
6. Sanitize and thoroughly dry the appliance before storing it away for next season.

Have safe winter.

ProTec Humidifier Tank Cleaning Cartridge :Model PC-1. Your humidifier stays cleaner, longer. Simply drop in tank for fresh, clean mist; Works in all humidifiers; Keeps cleaning for 3 days; Safe and non-toxic. Concentrated antimicrobial cartridge. Continuous protection against slimy build-up in humidifier. The Protec Cleaning Cartridge features a patented antimicrobial Aquastat, to continually inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria and mold in the cartridge as well as help prevent the buildup of slime in your humidifier. In addition the Protec Cartridge provides peace of mind that the mist is fresh and clean. Safe, non-toxic the Protec Cartridge uses the same antimicrobial that has been used for years in the food and drinking water industry to prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria. The Protec Cleaning Cartridge is antimicrobially treated to help prevent the growth and migration of mold, fungus, algae and odor-causing bacteria on the cartridge.

Humidiclean, 32 OZ, Extra Strength Humidifier Cleaner, Dissolves Calcium Scale, Lime & Rust, Helps Control Odor, Prolongs The Life Of Ultrasonic, Vaporizer, Evaporative Console & Table Type Humidifiers.

Type of Humidifiers. (Different Kinds of Humidifiers)

 There are different kind of  humidifiers available in the market.

1. Evaporative : These transfer moisture into the air invisibly by using a fan to blow air through a moistened absorbent material, such as a belt, wick, or filter.
2. Impeller : These produce a mist with help of high speed rotating disk.
3. Ultrasonic : These creates ultrasonic sound vibrations to create mist.
4. Steam Vaporizer : These create steam by heating water.
5. Whole House (part of HVAC)

1. Evaporative :

Breathe easier and sleep more comfortably with this basic evaporative cool-mist humidifier. Designed for large rooms up to 1175 square feet, it offers an exclusive easy-to-fill Tote Away tank with a built-in handle and an output capacity of 2 gallons every 24 hours. Easily turn the dial to set the fan to one of two whisper-quiet speeds to accommodate the amount of humidity desired. The low-maintenance humidifier also features a permanent filter and antimicrobial properties, which inhibit the growth of mold, fungi, and bacteria on the plastic parts and the paper wick. The unit requires routine cleaning and maintenance, depending on use and individual conditions, and its pan and tray clean up easily by hand or in the dishwasher. Ideal for a child's room, living room, or home office, the evaporative humidifier measures approximately 10-1/2 by 13 by 13 inches and carries a five-year limited warranty.

Product Description:   Hunter's most basic evaporative humidifier with paper wick 2 gallon output for up to 1175 square feet of coverage.
Search Amazon.com for evaporative humidifier

2.  Impeller :

 Product Description


Household heating systems in the winter and air conditioners in the summer remove indoor air of its natural moisture. The lungs and respiratory tract are dependent on moisture to function effectively. The humidifier provides proper humidity levels to keep your respiratory system moist and helps relieve cold and flu symptoms and irritated and itching skin and eyes. The motor driven impeller draws up water through its pickup tube, then propels the water by centrifugal force against the screen and battle to provide a fine vapor which is released into the room air. At the same time, the exclusive Kaz Dyna filter air cleaning filter removes dust, pollen, odors, and tobacco smoke from the room air, removing 93% of particles as small as pollen.  
 
  Search Amazon.com for impeller humidifier
 


 3.  Ultrasonic :
                             
Crane Cool Mist Humidifier provides additional comfort to cold symptoms, dry itchy skin, and chapped lips. The whisper quiet humidifier operates on a low power consumption providing min. 10 hours of moisture from a removable water tank. Includes an automatic shut off safety feature when water tank is empty. This Crane humidifier operates with cold tap water. Just fill the handy tank in the sink (fits most common sized sinks) and switch the unit on. The Humidifier will produce cool mist instantaneously. The mist output can be regulated with the control button located at the front.


 



Search Amazon.com for ultrasonic humidifier


4.  Steam Vaporizer :




Vicks Pure Warm Mist Humidifier for Relief of Cold & Flu Symptoms. This humidifier boils water to a pure steam vapor up to 96% bacteria free. This mixes with dry air in the cooling chamber to release warm, moist air into the room.










Search Amazon.com for Steam Vaporizer


5.  Whole House :


From the Manufacturer
Put an end to desert-like air in your home. The average humidity in the Sahara Desert is 25 percent. In wintertime, the average humidity inside some homes can be even lower, leading to dry skin, carpet shock, cracking woodwork and more. Reliable Honeywell Whole-House Humidifiers work with your homes furnace to maintain a proper, comfortable humidity level throughout the home.

Product Description
This flow thru by pass whole house humidification unit is low maintenance, cost effective, and is simple to operate. This unit requires good access to a return duct and drain. The humidifier mounts on supply plenum or return. By pass carries air from supp



Search Amazon.com for whole house humidifier

Dry Air and Humidifiers

         Cold weather is here in our zone. Lot of time is being spent inside in heated house. Most of the houses have forced air HVAC. As furnace heats up the air to warm the house it gets dry as it can hold more moisture. Dry air can cause lot of problems to the human body and also to the things in the house.


Read the article by EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency) Indoor Air Facts No. 8: Use and Care of Home Humidifiers. 

Lack of humidity can cause discomforts of dry nose, throat, lips and skin which is due to dry air which is brought on by winter heating. It can also cause static electercity, peeling wallpaper, and cracks in paint and furniture.  While adding moisture make sure you do not add excess moisture which creates its own problems.  I am looking for a humidifier for my house and as I do more research I will share with readers.

Also dry air causes problems for indoor plants.  Most of the indoor plants love moisture.

Different Type of Humidifiers
Humidifiers Need Regular Cleaning
Humidity Level and How to Measure
How to Maintain Humidity Level in Home
Difference between Humidifier, Dehumidifier, Hygrometer and Humidistat

Kitchen Garden 101 Store

Deals on Humidifiers

Crane Humidifier, Cool Mist, 1 Gallon, Panda, 1 Humidifier - Ee-3189 

Provides Relief for Cough, Cold and Flu Symptoms. Easier Breathing for a Good Night Sleep. Recommended Non-Medicated Alternative for Children with Colds and Coughs. Supports Easier Breathing and Congestion Relief from Allergy and Asthmatic Type Symptoms. Provides Moisture for Dry Coughs, Sinus Irritation and Dry Skin.

Spt Warm-mist Humidifier With Fragrance Oil Diffuser - Su-2653 

This warm-mist humidifier provides soothing warm moisture to help relieve dry coughs, sinus irritations and itching eyes. Add your own essential oil in the diffuser to aid intherapeutic activities. Easy-to-fill 2.5 liters water tank will provide up to 8......

How to fill raised garden or vegetable beds?

It is easy to make raised garden beds but it is hard to fill them with dirt.  If you are making 8 ft x 4 ft x 1 ft bed you need 34 cu ft of dirt or soil.  It not only cost you money plus it is hard labor as you have to haul this dirt in to the bed.  Best way is make the beds in fall and fill them with biodegradable material so that the material can decay through the winter.

If you have time then you can fill these beds with shredded leaves, garden clippings.  You can add kitchen waste (no cooked food, meat, fish).  Cover these with shredded leaves.  This will keep critters away.  Check out my other posting 'make compost'.

Keep adding the stuff as stuff settle downs as it compost.  Keep the shredded material moist and do not make it soggy.  Cover it so that rain does not mess the material and let it work through winter.  Once a while after week or so mix the material with garden fork.  This will speed up the process.

Humidity Level In The House And How To Measure Humidity Level

      Maintain the relative humidity in your home between 30% and 50% if possible. Humidity levels above 60% may allow moisture to build up indoors and condense on surfaces, where bacteria and fungi can settle and grow. This is as per CPSC recommendations. 


To measure humidity you need Hygrometer. (Search Amazon.com for hygrometer).  Some of them are less than $10.00.

Taylor 1523 Indoor/Outdoor Thermometer and Hygrometer

For quick and simple info on atmospheric conditions, the Taylor 1523 monitor tracks both temperature and humidity levels on a straightforward screen. Outfitted with a wire probe for placing outside, the unit toggles between outdoor temp and indoor temp readings. Its humidity display is just below and slightly smaller than the temp readout. The numeric layout is large and readable, and a backlight makes visibility easier. For long-term tracking, the model also includes high/low recall for both temperature and humidity. Built with a handy little flip stand,

Analog Hygrometer by Western Digital

This 2.25" diameter certified hygrometer includes convenient magnetic mount and calibration screw. A great deal from Western Instrument Co. for low-budget humidors.

• 2.25" diameter
• Magnetic mount
• Calibration screw

Humidifiers

Electric Lawn Mowers Corded or Cordless

Electric Lawn Mower

There are two type of lawn mowers available under electric lawn mower category. These run on electric power instead of gasoline. There are no more fumes and very less noise. These mowers have less maintenance as compared to conventional gas powered lawn mowers.  These are very good for small yards and light mowing.  If you have big yard and you mulch leaves then gas powered is the best.

Gas, Corded or Cordless Lawn Mower ?

1. Corded Electric Lawn Mower

2. Cordless Electric Lawn Mower

Corded Electric Mower has to be plugged in to electrical outlet preferably GFCI. You have always fear of running over the cord. The advantage over the cordless is that there is no battery to charge so you can run as long as you want. Your mowing time is not limited to the battery charge. These are lighter than cordless.

Cordless Electric Mowers run on battery. There is no cord attached when you are mowing but you can mow the grass as long as the battery is charged. They are little bit heavy because of battery weight. These  are good for small lawns. The advantage is that you do not have to drag the wire while you are mowing.

Electric Corded Lawn Mowers: 

     Black & Decker MM1800 18-Inch 12 amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower :  Fast, powerful, and easy to start, the Black & Decker MM1800 18-Inch Electric Lawn Mower helps make yard work less of a chore. Thanks to its powerful electric motor, this high-performance mower will help you create and maintain a manicured lawn without the hassles, expense, and emissions of a gas-powered model.

           Factory Reconditioned Sun Joe MJ401E-RM 14-Inch 12 Amp Electric Mow Joe Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher : This Reconditioned Sun Joe 14-Inch Electric Lawn Mower comes with Powerful 12 Amp Motor, Durable Steel Blade, Compact Design, Easy Push Button Switch, Hard Top Rear Bag, Instant Start, Is Maintenance Free, Three Position Manual Height Adjustment.




Browse more Corded Electric Mowers:

Cordless Electric Lawn Mowers:

        Black & Decker CM1836 18-Inch 36-Volt Cordless Electric Lawn Mower:  Cordless electric lawn mower with integrated 36V battery for cutting lawns up to 1/3 acre.  Produces zero emissions; includes Energy Star rated charger.  1-touch adjustment quickly changes height on all 4 wheels simultaneously.  18-inch deck size; weighs 64 pounds.

Browse more Cordless Electric Mowers:

Make compost in your backyard

Composting is nature working.  Compost s miracle happening in the backyard.

It is very easy to make compost. It is not dirty, smelly or fishy. If you follow certain guidelines you will have clean compost without much effort.


Compost Bin:  First you need bin to make compost.  If you do not have resources to make one or you do not like to build one then buy one. Check out  the compost bins here.  You can build your own compost bin.

wire mesh compost bin

You can a make a simple bin from wire mesh.  Make sure it has at least 3 ft diameter and is sturdy.  The one shown on the left are tied to a tree.

wooden compost bin

You can also make a bin from wooden planks.  The one on the left is 4 ft x 2ft x 2 ft. See full illustration here.







Material:  You need browns and greens for your compost.  Browns will provide carbon and green will provide nitrogen.

greens ready to be shredded 

Shred leaves and other greens.  You can use various leaf shredders to shred leaves. Check here.

browns being shredded by mower

You can use your lawn mower to shred leaves and greens.  Use grass clippings to provide green.  See illustration to how to use lawn mower to shred leaves.

shred pizza boxes add to compost 

You can shred cardboard boxes like pizza boxes and add to the mix.  They provide excellent browns to the compost.  Spray some water over the shredded cardboard to just moisten it.

compost full of shredded material

Fill it up as things are going to settle down after a while.  Add more of the clippings on top.  Mix green and brown thoroughly.  You can also layer brown, green, brown so on.  Each layer can be about 3 inch thick.  Add some moisture by spraying some water.  Do not make it soggy.

How to make compost from Oak leaves?

Oak leaves are very stubborn and take long time to decompose.  Oaks leaves must be shredded well before throwing in  the compost bin.  See how I use my lawn mower to shred oak leaves before composting them.  This way the leaves are shredded in to small pieces and also volume is reduced.  You do not have to empty the bags more often.  Add some green too.  I shredded my tomato plants along with oak leaves.

Raised Vegetable Garden Beds.

I am planning to put some raised vegetable garden beds. Should I build them or buy something and assemble it. It is start of winter. I am planning build one now and fill it with yard clipping and mulch and let it sit for winter.

I am looking for some pre-built raised vegetable garden beds.

Here are some options


1. Cedar Looks 4' X 6' Raised Bed Planter

 Cedar Looks 4' X 6' Raised Bed Planter

Most gardeners agree that raised beds are easier to maintain and promote better plant growth. Naturally resistant to rot and insects, cedar is a smart and worry-free alternative to other treated woods.

2. Cedar Looks 4' X 4' Raised Bed Planter

Cedar Looks 4' X 4' Raised Bed Planter

Another one at Amazon is little bit cheaper.

UL-T-MATE 3X3EP 3- by 3-Foot by 10-Inch High Natural Wood Grain Composite Raised Bed Garden Planter Kit with Embossed Finish, Light Brown Cedar.

Attractive raised bed garden planter, durable composite sides with a natural wood grain-embossed finish. Will not rot, decay, splinter, rust, leach, mold or mildew. Resistant to weathering, lawn and garden chemicals, and fertilizer. Economical 3-Foot x 3-Foot x 1-Inch design.� Easy to put together, no fasteners required. Includes naturally-occurring and reclaimed materials. Recyclable material. Light Cedar Brown.

The raised bed gardening trend is blooming all over America. It's the modern way to grow beautiful flowers and raise fresh vegetables. Extend your growing season - use less space, water, fertilizer, and improve soil conditions. You can join this back to nature trend with a contemporary twist, when you order the Orcaboard Lifetime Raised Bed Garden Kit from Durable Plastic Design.

• Extend your growing season - use less space, water, fertilizer, and improve soil conditions.
• The Orcaboard Lifetime Raised Bed Garden Kit is maintenance free, and non-toxic.
• Conveniently packaged for UPS delivery and assembles in less than 10 minutes.
• The Orcaboard Lifetime Raised Bed Garden Kit is available in two standard sizes - 4x4 & 4x8.
• Standard depth is 11"; Top Rail is OPTIONAL and is not included.

8 x 4' Two-Tier Raised Bed Kit with Canopy. Made of maintenance-free, recycled plastic, our Raised Bed Kit has lightweight boards that lock together with ease - no tools required! - to form a sturdy border for your one- or two-tier raised bed. Double-skinned walls provide thermal insulation, which helps to maintain a stable growing temperature. Sizes Raised Bed Kit 4' x 4' Two-Tier Kit 8' x 4'

Heated floors are turned on.

As the weather is getting cold, turned on the heated floors in the kitchen.  It makes a difference.  Check out my postings on the heated floors.

There are lot of options available on the web for Radiant Floor Heating.

Leaves are back.

Summer is gone and fall is back and so are the leaves. The blog went dormant during the summer and we are back again. I found that it is better to mulch the oak leaves first. Run your mower or tractor (riding mower) in mulch mode and just run over the leaves. This will break down the leaves. Then run it with the bagger. Now there will be less volume and you do not have to empty the bags very often. Empty the bags in the compost. All the you have do the process twice but it makes it less laborious.


Check out my previous post Shredding and mulching leaves- my previous post.

Search for leaves shredder.