Dry air and the winter months go hand in hand. When the impending cold weather arrives, you can bet that dry air will follow suit. But when dry air invades your home and disrupts the comfort of your home, what can you do?
In the latest blog post from Schebler Heating and Air, we’ll discuss what causes dry indoor air, as well as suggest a possible solution to restore comfortable and safe air to your home. Be sure to contact us with any questions or to schedule services in the Quad Cities area.
What Causes Dry Air Inside the Home?
You probably notice dry air more often when cold weather arrives and the outdoor temperatures drop. This is because cold air carries less moisture than warm air, leading to air that feels dry and uncomfortable. This is the most common culprit of dry air in your house.
Some homes might feel drier than others during the winter months, and this is largely due to insulation. All homes are built with insulation, but the quality of the insulation installation can vary from home to home.
How to Combat Dry Indoor Air
While increasing insulation can help to keep cold, dry air out of the home, installing a whole home humidifier is the only way to add moisture to your air supply and raise the home’s relative humidity levels. These units install directly to your existing HVAC system, so you won’t need to worry about installing a new furnace.
A whole home humidifier connects to your home’s water supply and distributes moisture to your air supply before it’s pushed through the air ducts and spread throughout the home. It will do this whenever the indoor humidity level drops below a certain level set on the unit’s humidistat.
Portable Humidifiers Vs. Whole Home Humidifiers
When dry air becomes a problem in your Quad Cities area home, you need answers. Often times, this comes in the form of either portable or whole home humdiifiers. But how do you know which to get? Here’s a quick breakdown:
Portable Humidifiers
- Easy to move from room to room, offering targeted humidity where you need it.
- Ideal for small spaces or temporary use during dry seasons.
- Lower upfront cost compared to whole home systems.
- Requires regular refilling and cleaning to prevent mold and bacteria buildup.
- Limited capacity, so they may not be effective for large spaces or entire homes.
Whole Home Humidifiers
- Connects directly to your HVAC system to humidify your entire home.
- Provides consistent, balanced humidity levels in every room.
- Low maintenance once installed, with minimal refilling required.
- Higher initial cost but offers long-term efficiency and convenience.
- Best suited for homeowners dealing with persistent dryness throughout the house.
Issues Caused By Low Humidity Levels
Put simply, dry winter air can wreak havoc on a home. If your home’s air supply is too dry, you’ll likely notice issues including:
Dry Skin
Low humidity strips moisture from your skin, leading to dryness, flakiness, and irritation. You might find yourself reaching for lotion more often, only to see little improvement. Over time, severely dry skin can crack and cause discomfort, especially in sensitive areas like hands and lips.
Static Electricity Buildup
When the air is dry, static electricity builds up more easily, causing frequent shocks and clingy clothes. You might notice your hair standing on end or electronics behaving unpredictably due to this increased static charge.
Cracked Furniture
Wood furniture and flooring absorb and release moisture based on the surrounding air. In low-humidity environments, they lose moisture, leading to cracks, warping, and weakened structural integrity, which can be costly to repair or replace.
Health Issues and Comfort Issues
Dry air can irritate your respiratory system, causing sore throats, nosebleeds, and dry eyes. It also contributes to dehydration, making you feel fatigued and exacerbating chronic conditions like asthma and allergies. Staying hydrated may help, but balanced humidity is key.
Poor Sleep
Low humidity can disturb your sleep by drying out your throat and nasal passages, making breathing uncomfortable. You may wake up feeling congested or dehydrated, affecting your overall rest and energy levels throughout the day.
To help protect your home from the dangers of dry air, get in contact with Schebler to install a whole home humidifier in your Quad Cities area home.
Other Solutions to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality in the Quad Cities
Air Cleaners
Air cleaners are designed to capture large particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander from the air. They work alongside your HVAC system to reduce allergens and pollutants circulating through your home. By keeping your air cleaner, these devices can alleviate allergy symptoms and make breathing easier, especially during high-pollen seasons.
Air Purifiers
Air purifiers take air quality to the next level by targeting smaller particles, including bacteria, viruses, and harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Equipped with advanced filtration systems, such as HEPA filters or UV technology, air purifiers actively sanitize the air, creating a healthier environment for your family and reducing airborne health risks.
Thermostats
Smart thermostats contribute to better air quality by helping maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels. Many modern thermostats are equipped with sensors that monitor indoor air conditions, alerting you to potential issues like high humidity or poor ventilation. By optimizing airflow and comfort, thermostats can help prevent mold growth and reduce pollutants that thrive in unbalanced environments.
Contact Schebler Heating and Air for Humidifier Installation Services
Here at Schebler, we understand that the quality of air within your home is just as important as its temperature. That’s why we’re proud to provide Quad Cities residents with indoor air quality products that can help you stay safe and comfortable all year long.
To learn more about installing a whole house humidifier in your Quad Cities area home, get in touch with Schebler Heating and Air today. We’ll be happy to come to your home, inspect your HVAC system, and determine if installing a humidifier is the right choice for your home.