The Problem with Dry Air

April 19, 2016

Adults take about 23,000 breaths everyday. Are you sure if the quality of the air your family is breathing is enough? As spring gets closer, it’s a perfect time to assess your home’s indoor air quality. We have plenty cool days coming up and colder air retains a decreased amount of moisture. This dry air is not only uncomfortable, but it can take a toll on your health and your home.

Low Humidity Ups Your Chances of Getting Sick

That you attain a cold because it’s cold outside is an old wives’ tale… but there is something to it. As we said, cold air is drier and dry air can result in some health challenges. The mucous membranes in your nose and sinuses dry out when humidity is decreased, so they can’t do their function of filtering out germs. This heightens your chances of your family getting an illness.

Dry Air Damages Your Skin

In the Reinholds winter, you might see that your skin feels dry and itchy. Shortage of humidity is the culprit. Lotion can help to treat the symptoms, but investing in a whole-home humidifier could provide a remedy the actual culprit.

Damages to Your Home

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

Evaluating for Dry Air

While itchy skin and a never-ending cold are indications that your indoor air is too dry, there are additional symptoms to look for as well:

  • A rise in in static electricity
  • Cracks in your flooring
  • Spaces in your trim and molding
  • Loosening wallpaper

All of these concerns signify that it’s possibly time to take a look at your indoor air quality. We are here to lend a hand! Call our indoor air professionals at County Line Mechanical LLC.