Cold, cold, cold! That's what held a vise-like grip on most of the country this weekend/week. While some places did receive snow, in areas like Atlanta, it was just bitterly cold (no offense to people stuck dealing with negative temperatures). Like many people, I took a break from jogging outside and instead spent most of my evenings inside. For me it wasn't until this past weekend that it really set in – it was time to pull out the humidifier.

_Many of you use humidifiers, and when the temperatures sink and the furnaces kick on, it's not hard to figure out why. Waking up with a sore throat or dry sinuses. Having perpetually chapped lips or dry spots on your skin no matter how much lotion you use. Sweeping and dusting, sweeping and dusting, just to see a rainbow of dust illuminated by the light coming through the window. Not to mention houseplants that seem to turn to nothing more than sticks after a day without water.

It's on this note that I wanted to take a few minutes to mention a new humidifier we've added to our offering. As some may have noticed, the super-high capacity Pure Guardian H4500 and H4600 humidifiers have been discontinued. One of the models replacing these is the new Pure Guardian H7550 humidifier. Though it's not quite as large as H4000 series units, it makes up for it with some very unique and new features.

_The new Pure Guardian H7550 humidifier is a dual mist, ultrasonic model. Unlike previous Pure Guardian and Germ Guardian models, this unit features a more modern, slick design with soft touch buttons and a crisp digital display. The performance of the H775 is very similar to other Pure Guardian models, and like the others, it has a blue nightlight that can be turned off. As mentioned though, the controls and the look are very different. You might also notice the tube sticking out of the top of this unit. There are two extension wands that fit where the output nozzle does. The mist travels up then out into the room, with the theory being the higher the moisture is dispersed, the more thorough and efficient humidification will be. There is a regular output nozzle that also comes with the unit in case the extension tubes aren't a route you want to go.

As you can see from the picture, the humidity is terrible low in our office. So for the time being, I think this model is likely to stay right where it is. However, we do have them in stock and ready to ship the same day. The price of the H7550 comes in near the H4000 models at $179.00.

Home humidifiers serve a variety of purpose during the winter. Not only do they put much needed moisture back into the air to relieve dry, itchy skin, but they can help reduce irritation from eczema and relief cold and flu symptoms. Putting the right amount of moisture back in the air can also help to reduce levels of airborne house dust and even make heating your home more efficient. So, while the weather is finally starting to warm, there are at least a few more months of winter ahead, which means more months of your furnace turning your indoor air into a desert wasteland. Taking a small step can sometimes make a big difference in how you feel.

To see our full line of quality room humidifiers.

_Author: Kevin Gilmore