The Problem with Dry Air

April 19, 2016

Adults take around 23,000 breaths everyday. Can you tell if the quality of the air your family is breathing is enough? As spring approaches, it’s an ideal situation to evaluate your home’s indoor air quality. We will still have cool days coming up and colder air absorbs a lower amount of moisture. This dry air is not only uncomfortable, but it can affect your health and your residence.

Low Humidity Heightens Your Chances of Getting Sick

That you get a cold because cool temps outside is an old wives’ tale… but there is a little truth to it. As we mentioned, cold air is drier and dry air can produce some health challenges. The mucous membranes in your nose and sinuses dry out when humidity is lower, so they are unable to do their function of sifting out germs. This increases your chances of your family getting a cold, the flu or another infection.

Dry Air Hurts Your Skin

In the Carpentersville winter, you could see that your skin feels dry and itchy. Lack of humidity is the issue. Lotion can help you treat the symptoms, but putting an investment towards a whole-home humidifier could provide a remedy the actual issue.

Damages to Your Home

The lower amounts of moisture in your home’s air can also damage the wood in your home—baseboards, floors, furniture—because the air will pull moisture from these items. You could even end up with cracks in the walls and floors.

Checking for Dry Air

While itchy skin and a continuous cold are tips that your indoor air is lacking moisture, there are some other symptoms to look for as well:

  • An increase in static electricity
  • Cracks in your home’s flooring
  • Openings in the molding and trim
  • Loosening wallpaper

Each of these issues signify that it’s probably time to assess your indoor air quality. We are here to lend a hand! Call our indoor air professionals at Controlled Comfort HVAC Inc.