Does someone in your home have a dry cough or suffer from skin issues? Perhaps you also have wood furniture that’s cracking or warping. These may be signs that the humidity levels in your home are off. Dry air in the home can have various signs and effects. It can significantly impact your comfort and your health. We’ll help you recognize the signs and symptoms of dry air at home and learn what you can do about it.
Signs of Dry Air in the Home
Dry Skin
One of the most noticeable effects of low humidity is dry and itchy skin. Low humidity can lead to moisture loss, making your skin feel rough. It can also exacerbate skin conditions like eczema.
Sore Throat
Dry air can dry out the mucous membranes in your throat, leading to a scratchy or sore throat. It can also worsen symptoms if you already have a respiratory condition.
Sinus Problems
Dry air can also dry out your nasal passages, causing them to become irritated. This can lead to congestion, sinus headaches, and increased sinus infections.
Respiratory Issues
Low humidity can exacerbate asthma and allergy symptoms. Dry air makes it easier for irritants like dust mites and pollen to become airborne, leading to more frequent sneezing, coughing, and congestion.
Higher Heating Costs
Dry air feels colder than humid air, even at the same temperature. As a result, you may be tempted to turn up the thermostat to stay comfortable, resulting in higher heating bills.
Damaged Furniture
Low humidity can draw moisture from wooden furniture and flooring, causing them to shrink, crack, or warp. This can result in costly damage to your home’s interior.
The Solution: A Whole-Home Humidifier
The solution to dry indoor air is to maintain optimal humidity levels. This is essential because it impacts not only your comfort but also your health. A smart thermostat can help you manage humidity levels in your home, but one of the best ways to improve your home’s humidity levels is to install a whole-home humidifier.
A whole-home humidifier is a humidifier that’s installed directly in line with your pre-existing ductwork. It works in conjunction with your furnace.
Benefits of a Whole-Home Humidifier
Enhanced Comfort
Whole-home humidifiers ensure consistent comfort in every room. They can also add extra warmth to your home without adjusting the temperature.
Better Respiratory Health
Proper home humidity levels can reduce the risk of respiratory infections, alleviate allergy symptoms, and provide relief from conditions like asthma and dry coughs.
Energy Efficiency
Slightly higher humidity levels during the winter can make your home feel warmer at lower temperatures. Therefore, you may be able to lower your thermostat, potentially reducing costs and improving energy efficiency.
Convenience
Whole-home humidifiers are integrated into your HVAC system, so you don’t need to manage multiple humidifiers or worry about refilling them. They operate automatically.
Healthier Home
Whole-home humidifiers prevent excessive moisture that causes mould and mildew growth in your home. Balanced home humidity protects your home and furniture, as well as contributes to better sleep.
Whole-Home Humidifier Installation for Enhanced Air Quality
A whole-home humidifier can provide you with a healthier home overall, supporting your family’s health and well-being. To enjoy these benefits, though, it’s important to have a whole-home humidifier professionally installed. You also need to monitor and adjust humidity levels as needed based on the season and local climate conditions. This ensures that your home maintains optimal indoor humidity year-round.
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Team Harding has been Ottawa’s leading home comfort specialist since 1994. We are a family-owned and operated local business and all of our installers and technicians are fully licensed.
