A. You can close some vents in unused areas of the home but be aware that your insulation is the exterior walls, if you let the room get too warm or cool you will still need to overcome that in the adjoining rooms. Closing off too many vents may also cause issues with the furnace or air conditioner.

A. A humidifier is only used in the heating mode to add humidity to the home as the house dries out. Your body evaporates moisture off your skin when it is dry inside, so you feel warmer at a cooler temperature when the humidity is kept at a higher level. If the house gets too dry you will start to have more damage to your wood trim and furniture. Also when the humidity gets too low you can experience more adverse health issues. In the summer when the humidity level is high your air conditioner works to remove the excess humidity in your home.