Adults take approximately 23,000 breaths a day. Can you tell if the quality of the air you are breathing is good? As spring approaches, it’s a great occasion to evaluate your home’s indoor air quality. We have plenty cool days ahead of us and colder air retains a decreased amount of moisture. This dry air is not only uncomfortable, but it can affect your health and your residence.
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 something to it. As we noted, cold air is drier and dry air can produce some health issues. The mucous membranes in your nose and sinuses dry out when humidity is lower, so they are unable to do their job of filtering out germs. This enhances the possibility of coming down with sick with the flu, cold or a similar illness.
Dry Air Harms Your Skin
In the Greensburg winter, you could find your skin is dry and itchy. Lack of humidity is the culprit. Lotion can be a solution to treat the symptoms, but investing in a whole-home humidifier could solve the actual problem.
Damages to Your Home
The lower humidity in your home’s air can also affect the wood throughout your home—baseboards, floors, furniture—because the air will pull moisture from these items. You may even notice cracks in the walls and floors.
Evaluating for Dry Air
Even though itchy skin and a perpetual cold are indications that your indoor air is too dry, there are additional symptoms to keep an eye out for as well:
- A rise in in static electricity
- Cracks in your flooring
- Openings in your home’s trim and molding
- Cracking 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 Wallpe Heating & Cooling.