While the lack of humidity in winter might seem like a good thing, the cold air that leaks into your home and sucks up the moisture inside certainly is not. Dry indoor air can affect the whole household from dry skin to sinus outbreaks, static shocks and just generally feeling under the weather this year. We’ve talked before about the importance of indoor air quality, particularly during seasons like spring and autumn. But your indoor air quality is just as crucial in the winter, and dry indoor air is one of the biggest threats.
What Causes Dry Indoor Air?
Scientifically speaking, warm air contains more moisture than cold air. In Bryan-College Station, we’re well-acquainted with the sticky, oppressive humidity of Texas summers and welcome the relief that comes in cooler temperatures. However, that cool air is dry and when it seeps into your home, it can make the indoor air in your home dry as well. Unfortunately, this isn’t a problem that can be fixed with your home heating system. Turning up the heat will make the home warmer, but won’t add moisture back into the air.
The Problem With Dry Indoor Air
Obviously, dry air isn’t the most comfortable air to breathe in, and it could cause a number of problems for your household. When your upper respiratory system is exposed to too much dry air, the protective membranes that help to keep out harmful bacteria causing diseases can be weakened. That’s why you’re more likely to get sick in winter than in summer. If you have a child with an upper respiratory condition, they’re more likely to have problems in a home full of dry air than otherwise. Dry indoor air can also dry out your skin or the inside of your nose when you breathe. It causes more static electricity in your home.
Dry indoor air can also cause issues with your home. In removing the moisture from your home, your hardwood floors and wood furniture will be more likely to creak and crack. Paper, too, can become more brittle and weak.
What To Do About Dry Indoor Air
One of the first things you can do is prevent dry indoor air, by properly sealing your home for the winter. Weatherstrip windows and doors and, if you don’t have particularly energy efficient windows, consider covering them with heavy curtains to keep out any air leakage. Beyond that, since heating your home won’t add moisture back into the air, consider an air purifier that removes dust, debris, and harmful bacteria from the air. As always, it’s important to stay hydrated, but especially in the winter months when you may have an issue with dry, indoor air. Using body lotion or other moisturizers to keep your skin healthy is also a good idea.
For more information about dry indoor air and what you can do to prevent it or eliminate it, contact Air Solutions in Bryan-College Station today. We’re experts in the world of home heating and cooling with over 50 years of combined experience, and we offer several air purifier solutions to boost your indoor air quality.