The Problem with Dry Air

April 19, 2016

Adults take around 23,000 breaths a day. Are you sure if the quality of the air you’re breathing is good? As spring gets closer, it’s a great situation to evaluate your home’s indoor air quality. We have plenty cool days in the future and colder air holds a decreased amount of moisture. This dry air is not only uncomfortable, but it can impact your health and your house.

Low Humidity Heightens Your Chances of Getting Sick

That you catch a cold because of the colder weather outside is an old wives’ tale… but there is a little truth to it. As we noted, cold air is drier and dry air can cause you some health challenges. The mucous membranes in your nose and sinuses dry out when humidity is lower, so they can’t do their job of sifting out germs. This enhances your chances of coming down with an illness.

Dry Air Harms Your Skin

In the Central Point winter, you may notice your skin seems dry and itchy. Shortage of humidity is the culprit. Lotion can help to treat the symptoms, but putting an investment towards a whole-home humidifier could solve the actual culprit.

Damages to Your Home

The lack of moisture in your home’s air can also damage the wood throughout your home—baseboards, floors, furniture—because the air takes moisture from these items. You may even end up with cracks in the walls and floors.

Checking for Dry Air

Even though itchy skin and a perpetual cold are indications that your indoor air is lacking moisture, there are additional symptoms to watch for as well:

  • A notable increase in static electricity
  • Cracks in your home’s flooring
  • Spaces in your trim and molding
  • Cracking wallpaper

Any of these problems signify that it’s possibly time to take a look at your indoor air quality. We are here to help! Call our indoor air professionals at Titan Heating & Air Conditioning.