Since the late 1950s, forced air furnaces have become the standard for home heating systems throughout the U.S. Today, it’s hard to imagine life without them.
Thanks to modern HVAC systems, most individuals enjoy warm and cozy indoor temperatures during winter. However, an often-overlooked issue can also cause discomfort: excessively dry air.
Low humidity levels can exacerbate health issues and make your home environment less enjoyable. This blog post explores effective strategies to combat dry air during the colder months, helping you maintain a comfortable and healthy indoor atmosphere.
Why Dry Air is a Concern
Before diving into all the methods that can increase your home’s humidity levels during winter, let’s discuss why dry air is problematic. While everyone reacts differently to dry conditions, most individuals will experience some degree of discomfort when humidity levels fall below 40%.
The most common reaction to dry air is skin irritation. Due to the lack of moisture, your skin may start itching or flaking after a few days of suboptimal humidity. This response is even more pronounced in those with preexisting skin conditions like eczema. In addition to causing dry skin, low humidity can trigger asthma symptoms and lead to coughing or shortness of breath.
The (Surprising) Relationship Between Dry Air and Illness
Everyone knows winter is cold and flu season, but what exactly is it about this time of year that causes us to get sick at a higher rate? There are countless explanations, but one of the most compelling theories identifies dry air as a significant contributing factor. Here’s why:
During winter months, hot air constantly circulates through your house. But, aside from helping you maintain a comfortable temperature, this hot air dries out the moisture in your nose. Because this natural moisture barrier traps pathogens, you’re particularly susceptible to contracting an illness when it dries out.
Now that you know how low humidity increases your chances of getting sick, let’s discuss potential solutions.
Invest in a Whole-House Humidifier
Investing in a humidifier is the single most effective way to combat dry air. This HVAC accessory monitors and adds moisture to the air, dramatically improving indoor air quality.
If you’re looking to fix the problem for good, whole-house humidifiers that integrate with your existing HVAC system can provide consistent humidity levels in every room. Hoock’s Heating & Cooling proudly sells AprilAire Humidifiers, allowing you to optimize indoor relative humidity throughout your home all year long.
Add Houseplants to Your Favorite Spaces
Houseplants add a natural touch to any living space. Additionally, including them in your home design provides well-documented mental and physical health benefits. You may not need any reason to add another plant to your collection, but we’ll give you one anyway.
Indoor plants can naturally increase humidity levels through a process called transpiration. When watered, plants release moisture into the air, creating a more humid environment. Consider adding varieties like peace lilies or spider plants, which not only enhance humidity but also filter some pollutants from the air, improving your home’s overall IAQ.
Seal Drafts
You already know drafty windows and doors lead to higher energy bills, but did you know they also contribute to low humidity issues? Cold, dry air entering your home causes your system to circulate more hot, dry air to maintain a steady temperature. The result is a heating system that’s running on a near-constant basis.
Sealing drafty areas with weatherstripping or caulk can help maintain humidity levels and improve your HVAC system’s efficiency, leading to lower energy bills and healthier air.
Leave the Bathroom Door Open During Showers
There’s nothing better than a hot shower on a cold winter day. But aside from those precious moments of relaxation, it can also help raise your home’s humidity levels.
When taking a shower, leave the door open, turn the bathroom fan off, and allow the ultra-humid air to permeate other areas of your home. Home improvement has never felt so good!
Monitor Humidity Levels
Most modern thermostats show humidity levels, but they can be misleading. Thermostats evaluate the local air near the device, so while it may show 40% humidity in your kitchen, that doesn’t necessarily mean your bedroom upstairs will be at that same level.
To effectively manage indoor humidity in every space, invest in a hygrometer. This device measures the moisture level in the air, helping you keep track of your home’s humidity. Aim for a range of 40-60% for optimal comfort. If levels fall below this range, take action by using a humidifier or try out another method from this article.
Whole Home Comfort Starts at Hoock’s Heating & Cooling
Russ Hoock established Hoock’s Heating & Cooling in 2017 because he saw an opportunity to improve the HVAC customer experience. Seven years later, the brand has built its reputation through a commitment to honesty, transparent pricing, and, most importantly, quality work.
We hold ourselves to the highest standards in everything we do and take pride in serving our community. If you’re searching for an HVAC team for your routine maintenance, repair, tune-up, or installation needs, don’t settle for anything less than the best. Contact Hoock’s online or call us at (636) 266-2187 to schedule your appointment.