Adults take about 23,000 breaths a day. Do you know if the quality of the air you are breathing is enough? As spring arrives, it’s a great occasion to assess your home’s indoor air quality. We will still have cool days ahead of us and colder air absorbs a lower 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 attain a cold because it’s cold outside is an old wives’ tale… but there is a little truth to it. As we said, cold air is drier and dry air can produce some health problems. The mucous membranes in your nose and sinuses dry out when humidity is lower, so they are unable to do their job of cleaning out germs. This enhances your chances of your family getting sick with the flu, cold or a similar illness.
Dry Air Harms Your Skin
In the Crystal and Twin Cities winter, you could find your skin feels dry and itchy. Lack of humidity is the culprit. Lotion can be a solution to treat the symptoms, but putting an investment towards a whole-home humidifier could provide a remedy the actual problem.
Damages to Your Home
The lower humidity in your home’s air can also damage the wood in your home—baseboards, floors, furniture—because the air will pull moisture from these items. You could even end up with cracks in the walls and floors.
Evaluating for Dry Air
Although itchy skin and a continuous cold are signs that your indoor air may be dry, there are a few other symptoms to look for as well:
- A notable increase in static electricity
- Cracks in the flooring
- Openings in your home’s trim and molding
- Cracking wallpaper
All of these concerns indicate that it’s likely time to assess your indoor air quality. We are here to offer our expertise! Reach out to our indoor air professionals at GV Heating & Air.