In the winter, having healthy humidity levels in your home may be a challenge since heating systems dry out the air. Humidity should stay between 30 and 50 percent to protect your health and that of your home. The air in your home constantly seeks equilibrium and will start pulling moisture out of your body and your home.
When humidity falls below 30 percent, the consequences include:
- Skin problems – As skin dries out, it will become chapped and eventually crack. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it can also lead to skin infections.
- Respiratory problems – Dry nasal and throat passages can lead to secondary infections from cold and flu viruses, which thrive and replicate faster in dry conditions. Some nose bleeds are caused by air that’s too dry indoors.
- Static electricity – While it may not harm you, it can disable electronics that use low-voltage components. Many work environments humidify the air during the winter to prevent equipment damage and loss.
- Dry wood – Wood can contract when the air becomes too dry. It’ll crack, and if the shrinkage is large enough, the wood may never go back to normal. Wooden floors, cabinetry, picture frames and musical instruments are vulnerable to shrinkage.
- Higher heating bills – Dry air feels cooler as the moisture on your skin evaporates, causing lost body heat.
The best way to control these issues is through the use of home humidifiers. If your home is small, a portable humidifier may be sufficient, but they do require a fair amount of attention and maintenance. A central humidifier works well in larger homes because it distributes the water vapor throughout the whole home and requires much less maintenance.
These systems use absorbent pads. As the air moves through the furnace and over these pads, the moisture in them evaporates. They fill automatically and the excess water drains into your plumbing. A humidistat controls the level indoors and can be set to a level that’s most comfortable for you.
For more information about healthy humidity levels indoors, contact Bill Joplin’s Air Conditioning& Heating. We’ve proudly provided HVAC services for Frisco, Allen and McKinney area homeowners since 1978.
