Winter brings several wonderful, awe-inspiring things. However, it also brings a few inconveniences. Apart from exceeding low temperatures and a bit of snow, there’s also dry indoor air to contend with. Even though many don’t see dry air as a severe issue, it’s never completely harmless. Unfortunately, many people ignore the quality of air in the home. They fail to see its relevance in overall comfort and health as something that you want to do before dry air symptoms start rearing their heads. Get more information on dry air, its impact on indoor air quality, and strategies that will help you resolve this issue.

What Causes The Indoor Air To Be Dry During Winter?

When the air is dry, there is very little water vapor in the indoor environment and there may not be any at all. Water vapor is something that naturally exists in the air. Whether or not it’s present is reliant upon the temperature of the space. Cold air is unable to hold onto moisture like warm air can. As such, dry air tends to be a far more common problem in winter than it is in either late spring or summer.

The level of moisture or water vapor in the environment is referred to as humidity. Indoor humidity levels play a key role in determining just how comfortable your home is. Among some of the most common causes of excessively dry air in the home are:

Lack Of Or Problems With Insulation

If there’s a decent balance of moisture in the air, the standards of indoor air quality are met and maintained. When there is insufficient moisture, however, it might mean that the building structure lacks adequate insulation Your central heating system can help lower indoor humidity levels. Whenever there is adequate moisture in the environment, this important balance can be maintained.

If the home has gaps, cracks, or holes, dry air can be pulled into the living space from outside. This will, in turn, reduce the level of humidity even more, thereby causing the uncomfortable symptoms of dry indoor air.

Lost Humidity Isn’t Being Replaced

Whenever a heating appliance is used, humidity levels drop. This is also true of air conditioners and other cooling appliances. If nothing is replacing the amount of moisture being lost by using this equipment, the air will invariably become and remain dry.

The Damages And Unpleasant Health Effects Caused By Dry Indoor Air

Long periods of exposure to dry air can cause a host of problems for both your home and the health of everyone living in it. Among the more common effects of living in a dry air environment are:

Respiratory Issues

When the air is too dry, this makes the airways constrict, thereby making it hard for people to breath correctly. This can be problematic for anyone living with asthma or any other chronic respiratory issue. Some symptoms that people might experience when the air is too dry are tightening of the chest, shortness of breath, and coughing.

Dry Skin And Other Health Issues

When the skin becomes too dry, this can lead to flaking and itchiness. Air with insufficient levels of humidity can also cause the hair to become dry and brittle. Those who are ill with the flu can have worsened symptoms such as the additional itchy, dry eyes,  and the chills.

Damages To Wooden Structures And Components

If you have wooden doors, wooden window frames, wooden furnishings, or hardwood floors, dry air can lead to problems with warping that damage and deform surfaces that were once perfect and smooth. Wood features can start drying and cracking, and the resulting deformities can make cabinets, closets, doors, and windows difficult to open and shut.

Excessive dry air can also be detrimental to wall and can cause the wallpaper to peel off or the paint to crack. If you have paintings, books, paper sculptures, musical instruments, wooden sculptures, or other such items, these things can also be damaged by dry indoor air.

How To Eliminate Dry Air In Your Home

You can remove dry air given that there are many things that you can do to maintain balanced levels of moisture indoors.

Take Care Of The Air Drafts

Find areas that are allowing outdoor air into the home and fix these spaces. Cracks, gaps, and holes can be closed up with foam sealant, fillers, and putty. Use weatherstripping at all windows and doors to keep drafts out. You should also check the insulation in your home and add more as needed.

Start Using A Humidifier

In dry conditioning, humidifiers can work wonders by adding essential moisture back into the air. These are a number of small-sized humidifiers that are meant for use in small spaces. To ensure that conditions are improved all throughout your home, however, you might want to think about installing a whole-house humidifier. This will provide optimum levels of cost-efficient and highly effective comfort.

Have Your HVAC System Inspected By A Professional

Routine HVAC maintenance is essential for ensuring that your heating system is in optimum condition. You should ideally have this equipment inspected once each year, and preferably in the winter. Your HVAC technicians can locate problems and fix them right away so that you can avoid the related inconvenience and discomfort. Making sure that your HVAC system is in excellent condition is also a great way to prevent problems with indoor air pollution, and to keep everyone in your home healthy and safe.

Conclusion

Your household shouldn’t have to deal with the discomfort and frustration of poor indoor air, especially during the already cold and challenging months of winter. If you’re currently dealing with dry air issues, you can use the above-mentioned strategies to eliminate them and get your home winter-ready. Winter is the time to appreciate and enjoy the indoor environment, which also makes it a critical time to ensure that your home is comfortable and safe.

Call McAllister Energy For Affordable And Fast Home Comfort Services

McAllister Energy is offering first-rate heating, cooling, and home comfort solutions throughout the area. Our team is comprised of highly qualified, NATE-certified HVAC technicians who can perform superior HVAC replacements, tune-ups, installations, and repairs. All of our techs are skilled and able to take care of your project with the utmost professionalism and a truly outstanding outcome.

When your home HVAC system has to be replaced or repaired, calling McAllister Energy is guaranteed to put you in good hands. Our HVAC service costs are highly competitive, and our work is backed with an impressive guarantee. Our top priorities are indoor air quality, efficiency, and comfort. To request a free, in-home estimate or to set up an appointment, call us now.

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