Water Fountains in Winter

How your fountain can keep the air in your home humidified

Indoor water fountains can be a great benefit to your home, particularly in the winter months. Not only do they provide a beautiful focal point and the soothing effects of running water sound, but water fountains also humidify the air in any interior space.

During the winter, the heating elements you use to keep your home warm and comfortable can have unpleasant side effects. Your hair, skin, and eyes may feel notably drier than usual. Your plants start to look limp and listless. Some homes even suffer from cracks in drywall or wood floors and trim due to an extreme lack of balance in humidity. These effects can cause you to feel tired and have less energy, and the drying of your nose and throat can make you more susceptible to colds. To better understand how this happens, see the article How Humidity Dries Out Your House by USA Today.

A water fountain, unlike a humidifier, will not add so much moisture to your house as to cause condensation on the walls which can lead to mildew. An indoor wall, floor, or tabletop fountain simply provides an extra source of water in your home from which the air can pull water molecules, thus reducing the strain on your body, houseplants and other items in your household. Water fountains also do not have the unpleasant noise that humidifiers do - instead, you get the relaxing sound of running water. You could place a large water feature such as a wall or floor fountain in the main room of your home, and tabletop fountains in the bedrooms.

Don't forget about your outdoor fountains in the winter - they need extra care and protection. For tips on winterizing your garden fountains, see Winterizing Outdoor Fountains.