The Problem with Dry Air

April 19, 2016

Adults take about 23,000 breaths a day. Are you sure if the quality of the air your family is breathing is good? As spring arrives, it’s a great occasion to evaluate your home’s indoor air quality. We have plenty cool days in the future and colder air retains less moisture. This dry air is not only uncomfortable, but it can affect your health and your home.

Low Humidity Ups Your Chances of Getting Sick

That you get a cold because it’s cold 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 produce some health challenges. The mucous membranes in your nose and sinuses dry out when humidity is low, so they’re not doing their function of sifting out germs. This heightens the possibility of your family getting an illness.

Dry Air Harms Your Skin

In the Chadron winter, you might find your skin seems dry and itchy. Lack of humidity is the issue. Lotion can be a solution to treat the symptoms, but investing in a whole-home humidifier could fix the actual problem.

Damages to Your Home

The lower amounts of moisture in your home’s air can also affect the wood in 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

While itchy skin and a continuous cold are signs that your indoor air may be dry, there are a few other symptoms to keep an eye out for as well:

  • A notable increase in static electricity
  • Cracks in the flooring
  • Spaces in your trim and molding
  • Loosening wallpaper

Each of these issues signify that it’s probably time to assess your indoor air quality. We’re happy to lend a hand! Reach out to our indoor air professionals at MPC Heating & Cooling.