The cold winter months bring dry air that can wreak havoc on your allergies, skin, hair, and even your wooden furniture. If the dry winter air has you wondering what you can do to improve indoor comfort levels, you’re not alone.
Installing a whole-home humidifier could be just what you need. In our latest blog post, we’ll discuss why winter air gets so dry, how a humidifier can help, and some other ways to improve your home’s indoor air quality.
Why is the Winter Air so Dry?
Cold weather features low moisture content because the cold air is not able to hold as much moisture as warmer air. When temperatures drop, the air contracts and its capacity to retain water vapor decreases. This causes your home to feel dry, especially if there are any cracks or gaps in doors and windows that allow cold, dry air from the outside to enter and mix with the indoor air.
Additionally, many heating systems can further contribute to dry indoor conditions. Most heating methods, such as forced-air systems and radiators, often reduce humidity levels by warming the air without adding moisture.
If your home is experiencing dry indoor air, you might notice issues such as dry skin, irritated eyes, respiratory issues, and even cracked wooden furniture.
How Can a Humidifier Help?
Whole–home humidifiers attach directly to your existing heating, air conditioning, and ventilation (HVAC) system to add moisture to the air supply before it’s circulated throughout the home. This ensures any heated air coming from your vents has been treated and contains more comfortable humidity levels.
Maintaining Comfortable Humidity Levels
While using a humidifier to add moisture to your home’s air supply is a great way to eliminate symptoms of dry air, it’s important to not add too much moisture to your house or air supply. This can create a wide range of other problems, such as accelerated mold growth, dust mites, and other issues.
Be sure to follow these steps to keep your home’s humidity levels in a comfortable range:
- Regular Checks with a Hygrometer: Hygrometers are designed to accurately measure humidity levels. Regular monitoring allows you to identify any fluctuations and take timely action to adjust your humidifier settings.
- Set Ideal Humidity Levels: Aim for an indoor humidity level between 30-50%. This range is generally considered comfortable and healthy for both occupants and the living environment.
- Adjust Humidifier Settings: If you notice your home becoming excessively humid, lower the settings on your humidifier. Many modern humidifiers come with adjustable controls, allowing you to fine-tune the moisture output according to your needs.
Other Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality
In addition to using a humidifier to optimize indoor air quality, there are several other strategies you can employ to create a healthier and more comfortable living environment. Consider the following practices to enhance indoor air quality:
- Regular Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation by regularly opening windows and doors to allow fresh outdoor air to circulate through your home. This helps in reducing indoor pollutants and maintaining a good balance of air exchange.
- Air Purifiers: Invest in air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters to capture and remove airborne particles such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and pollutants. These devices can significantly improve the overall air quality in specific rooms.
- Regular Cleaning: Keep your living spaces clean by dusting, vacuuming, and mopping regularly. This reduces the accumulation of dust and allergens, promoting a healthier indoor environment.
Choose Schebler for Humidifier Services in the Quad Cities Area
When they need reliable installation and maintenance of whole-home humidifiers, Quad Cities, IA, homeowners choose Schebler. Staying comfortable in your home sometimes takes more than maintaining consistent temperatures.
Sometimes, indoor air quality equipment is needed. Keep your home safe and comfortable this winter by installing a whole-home humidifier. Reach out to our team today to learn more about these systems and to determine if installing one is the right choice for your family.