As the cold weather moves in, humidity levels fall drop. That’s because cold air can’t hold as much moisture as warm air.
Adding to the “fun” is the fact that heating systems, especially forced air heat, dry out your indoor air even more. The drier the air, the greater the adverse effects, such as:
- Bloody noses
- Dry, itchy skin
- Upper respiratory problems since dry air robs your throat and nose of much-needed moisture
- Lack of throat and nose protection allows bacteria to enter your lungs, thus potentially causing a cold or flu
- Since more than half of your skin is comprised of water, lack of moisture can’t help but dry it out. That can cause itching, flaking, and tightness around the joints. It can also cause painful cracking and chapped lips. Overly dry air can also cause flare-ups of existing skin problems, including eczema and acne.
- Static electrical shock. When indoor air dries up, static electricity builds up and can cause pain when you touch a doorknob or another metal surface. You’ll also notice sheets and blankets stick together.
- Dry air isn’t content to leave well enough alone. It’s naturally inclined to absorb whatever moisture happens to be available. That includes the structure of your home. As it dries up, wooden floors, doors, and musical instruments can begin to warp and crack. .
While there are several effective ways to add humidity to your home this and every winter, none works better than a whole-house humidifier. It works in conjunction with your furnace or boiler to keep you warm and comfortable without robbing the air of the humidity you need escape the problems associated with dry air.
For more information or a free new system proposal, contact Air Professionals today.