Why Winter Causes Drier Air
When the weather turns cold, air naturally loses moisture and dries out. As a result, wintertime can be rough on your home and your skin. Common concerns associated with dry air far surpass chapped lips and cracked skin. Low humidity can cause excess static electricity and severe structural damage. It can also accelerate the spread of viruses, which move more freely in dry air. In some cases, dryness can even lead to cracks developing in household surfaces (countertops, floors, windows, and tables) due to brittle infrastructure.
At Aire Serv of Nashville, we understand how frustrating dry indoor air can be. On the other hand, excess humidity can also cause problems– inviting mold growth, water damage, insects, and health/respiratory problems. The goal for any homeowner is to find homeostasis by maintaining consistent humidity levels. We’re here today to discuss how you can measure, track, and calibrate your indoor humidity.
How To Measure Indoor Humidity
The ideal humidity range for most indoor spaces is between 30-50%. It is possible to regularly monitor indoor humidity by purchasing an affordable device programmed to display current levels.
Another easy way to gauge indoor humidity is to conduct a sweat test. This experiment is ideal for wintertime, when the fear concerns inadequate, as opposed to abundant, humidity levels. It involves filling a glass with ice and water and letting it sit untouched on a flat surface. Your indoor humidity levels are likely within a reasonable range if condensation appears on the surface of the glass within a few minutes.
Don’t wait to take initiative if your monitor’s humidity reading is consistently lower than 30% or the sweat test fails to form condensation. Here are some tips and techniques to alleviate and manage dry indoor air.
How To Increase Moisture In Your Home
The solution to dry indoor air is simple – increase the moisture in your home. Achieving this goal is not as difficult as it may seem. While there is rarely a fix-it-all solution, there are many ways to maintain ideal moisture levels.
They include:
- Install a portable humidifier – Humidifiers and diffusers are an excellent way to boost moisture and rejuvenate your air with healthy and scent-friendly essential oils. If you’re worried about feeling cold and wet, there are plenty of warm mist humidifiers on the market.
- Leaving the bathroom door during showers – Hot showers are an excellent way to infuse your home with daily moisture. Avoid flipping on the exhaust fan, as well. Doing so will allow the steam to spread throughout your home and boost the humidity levels.
- Cook on the stove – Stovetop cooking can increase moisture levels – especially if you boil or steam food items.
- Add plants and greenery – Indoor plants can improve air quality (IAQ) and increase moisture.
- Air dry wet clothes – Hanging clothes indoors will keep the moisture indoors instead of evaporating it in the dryer.
- Seal cracks and gaps – Check your window, door, and foundation for uneven gaps, and seal any leakages. Improving insulation by preventing cold air from entering your home will help you retain indoor moisture.
The Most Effective Solution: A Whole-Home Humidifier
The single-handedly most effective solution for dry air is to install a whole-home humidifier. A whole-home humidifier can be installed near your heater and connected to your water supply. This system can regulate the humidity levels in your home by dispersing moisture through the ductwork. It is as simple as any HVAC system to operate. Unlike portable humidifiers, it can be programmed to monitor and maintain consistent humidity levels.
Because it is connected to the main water line, a whole-home humidifier does not need to be refilled. A whole-home humidifier is optimal for anyone seeking an effortless and reliable method of maintaining constant humidity levels.
Let an HVAC Professional Improve Your Indoor Humidity Today
Are you sick and tired of dry air during winter? Have you exhausted DIY solutions in your pursuit to maximize moisture indoors? If so, it’s time to contact our dependable professionals at Aire Serv of Nashville! We have the tools, expertise, and resources necessary to measure indoor humidity and install a portable or whole-home humidifier today!
Our portable humidifier services include:
- Evaporative humidifiers
- Steam humidifiers, or warm mist humidifiers
- Impeller humidifiers
- Ultrasonic humidifiers
These devices can help reduce allergies, dry throat symptoms, coughing, common colds, headaches, and bloody noses!
Want to learn more about our HVAC solutions for indoor humidity? Combating dry air will leave your skin, home, and immune system happier and healthier! Schedule an appointment by calling us!
