The winter season brings a joyous time with the holidays and spending time with family and friends. Unfortunately, it can bring dry indoor air that can affect your health and your home. No one wants to have dry skin, nose bleeds, breathing troubles, or cracked furniture. These issues can pop up without the homeowner noticing and not realizing they have dry air in their home. There are ways to resolve dry air and to keep you and your family comfortable all winter long.
Indoor Dry Air Causes
One of the biggest causes of indoor dry air is the cold weather. As it gets colder the air holds less moisture so it starts to feel uncomfortable and dry. The humidity levels can drop as low as 15 percent while a comfortable level for people is between 30 to 50 percent. Another reason for dry air can be poor insulation in the home. Having poor insulation can pull the cold air inside causing your indoor air quality to suffer. Your heater will start to work harder because you might think it will increase the temperature but that won’t help either. The heater inside doesn’t add moisture in the air and will just make any that’s left dissipate.
Combatting Dry Air
1. Check for Any Cracks or Gaps
It’s important to check around your home to find any gaps or cracks that’s letting outside air in. Using weather strips, caulk or spray foam on the air leaks can keep dry air out of the home. This can prevent cold air coming in and a loss of warm air from the leaks. Getting this fixed can have your home well insulated and keep the dry air out.
2. Have your HVAC System Inspected
Having regular HVAC inspections will ensure your heater is working properly before the winter months. A professional HVAC tech will check that all the components are working and wash any parts that need it. They’re able to identify any issues before they become a bigger problem and need to have to pay for a big repair. Having annual inspections will maintain a comfortable home environment and make sure the dry air doesn’t come inside.
3. Whole Home Humidifier
Often older homes will have issues with drafts and dry air leaking in so having a humidifier can help. Installing a whole home humidifier is a great way to balance the moisture in your home. For newer homes it’s best to be careful of the humidity levels because it can lead to mildew, mold and condensation. Having optimal moisture levels is important in keeping the dry air away.
In the winter season you want your home to be comfortable all season long. Dry winter air can be an issue for your health and comfort and it’s important to fix it so you don’t have to suffer. Learn more about humidity control options with Omni Air HVAC and to help answer all your questions. We’re here to improve your indoor air quality and get your home ready for winter.