Why evaporative humidifiers are perfect for dry American winters

During cold winter months in the U.S., especially in regions with extreme dryness, e.g, Colorado, Utah, or Arizona, indoor heating systems reduce humidity levels, leading to issues like dry skin, chapped lips, and irritated nasal passages.

Evaporative humidifiers help maintain optimal indoor moisture levels, preventing excessive skin dehydration and reducing irritation in the respiratory tract. Why should you use evaporative humidifiers? How do they contribute to the optimal humidity level?

Humidity comparison across states - where the conditions are most severe?

The desert cities of Las Vegas, Phoenix and Tucson top the list of major American cities with the lowest humidity. Las Vegas clearly ranks as the driest, with an average relative humidity level of just 30.3%. 

The three abovementioned cities lie in Arizona and Nevada, two driest states in the whole country. The full list of states with the lowest average outdoor humidity below:

1. Nevada – 38.3%

2. Arizona – 38.5%

3. New Mexico - 45.9%

4. Utah – 51.7%

5. Colorado – 54.1%

6. Wyoming – 57.1%

7. Montana – 60.4%

8. California – 61%

9. Idaho – 62.4%

10. Oklahoma – 64%

The most mild type of climate (moderate temperatures and humidity) can be found across the eastcoast states, The table below presents thoroughly its temperature and moisture levels, distinguishing between indoor and outdoor environments.

It is interesting to observe how humidity varies over the months, as well as how strongly it can be affected by the surrounding temperature.

Indoor humidity ≠ outdoor humidity, especially in the winter

One important thing to remember about is that outdoor humidity has nothing to do with the one you experience indoors.

When the thermometers outside show temperatures around 32°F (0 °C), the hygrometers may indicate 75% of relative humidity. Whilst at the same time, the moisture indoors may be around 30%, whereas the temperatures are around 70°F (21°C). How come? What does temperature have to do with humidity level?

One cubic metre of outside air containing 2.9 grams of water vapour at 32°F is replenished with moisture at 75%. The same air heated to 68°F (average temperature indoors), without adding any extra water, has a relative humidity of 20%, which is way too low for your skin and respiratory tract membranes.

The amount of water that can be included within a specific air mass increases proportionally with temperature. Hence, the aforementioned 2.9 grams of water would be more than enough for 32 °F, but for 68 °F not anymore.

We present this dependence in the graph below:

Winter low indoor humidity – how does it affect you?

1. Dryness of mucus in the respiratory tracts

Sputum expectoration difficulties, hoarseness and post-nasal drip syndrome are pointed out among the most irritating side effects of dry air on upper respiratory tract.

2. Dry, scaly, itchy skin

Eczema, xeroderma and dermatitis. Dry air wll lead draw moisture from your complexion, leading to more frequent scratches and irritations. In longer term, it may also increase the tension of your skin, provoking premature skin aging.

3. Brittle, dull hair and brittleness and dandruff

Dried scalp skin peels, leading to the appearance of white dandruff, also known as dry dandruff.

4. Eye dryness

Dry air can lead to soreness, burning sensation of the eye. As a consequence, you may experience headaches or impaired vision. A humid environment moisturizes tear film, reducing excessive blinking eyelid irritation and dry eye syndrome.

5. Static charge in your surroundings

Drier weather leads to increased static charge. On the other hand, water molecules are conductive and help discharge excess static electricity by allowing electrons to disperse more evenly. Studies have shown that humidity levels above 40% significantly reduce static electricity buildup. 

How Klarta combats indoor dryness?

Klarta evaporative humidifiers naturally and safely increase the humidity of the environment. All thanks to its water-soaked evaporative filter and highly effective engine. Klarta Humea WiFi guarantees efficiency reaching 300 ml per hour

Our smart evaporative humidifier can hydrate areas up to 475 ft ². Equipped with 4 levels of speed and Auto Mode will smoothly help you find your favorite settings.

Smart humidistat allows you to set your own humidity target, choosing from 40 up to 75% of relative humidity.

After reaching the setpoint, Klarta Humea WiFi will smoothly lower its rotating speed, so as to maintain the desired humidity level.

Microscopic, subvisual, cold mist provides hygienic moisture, free of water residue or white dust.

Running low on water, it will inform the user about the need to refill (a symbol is being displayed). It will also automatically deactivate further humidification, draining the filter, so that no potentially harmful sticky residue would evolve.

Klarta Humea's most important features:

• 3-liter water tank

• Humidifying efficiency: up to 300 ml/h

• Hygrometer and humidistat (humidity range 40-75%)

• 4 manual speed levels

• Smart Auto Mode

• Wi-Fi and mobile control

• Numerous automation options and work rules

• Precise water level determination – a reliable float and a window on its casing

• 3 levels of display panel backlighting (can function as a bedside lamp)

Sources:

1. Osborn, L. Cities With Low Humidity in the USA. Current Results. https://www.currentresults.com/Weather-Extremes/US/low-humidity-cities.php. Access to website:18.03.2025

2. Arena, L. & Mantha, P., Monitoring of internal moisture loads in residential buildings, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Washington, DC. 12.2010. https://www.huduser.gov/publications/pdf/internalmoistureload.pdf Access to website: 18.03.2025