Connecticut winters are known for their harshness, bringing frigid temperatures and low humidity. This can create a significant problem for homeowners – unusually dry indoor air. Cold air naturally holds less moisture, bringing it inside and heating it further reduces the humidity levels. Your heating system also contributes to the dry air problem by decreasing moisture content, making your home’s indoor environment uncomfortably dry. This dryness can affect your home and health in various ways.
The Impact of Dry Air
On Your Health
- Skin Issues: Dry air can lead to dry, itchy skin and exacerbate any existing skin conditions that you and your family might have.
- Respiratory Problems: Dry air can irritate your respiratory system, causing nosebleeds, congestion, a dry cough, and increased susceptibility to catching colds and other viruses. It can also worsen chronic breathing conditions like asthma.
- Discomfort: Dry air can lead to headaches, fatigue, and sleep disruptions.
On Your Home
- Damage to Wood: If you have valuable wooden furniture and hardwood floors, then they are susceptible to cracking, warping, shrinking, and gapping due to dry air.
- Plant Stress: Houseplants can become stressed and damaged in a dry environment.
- Static Electricity: Dry air leads to increased chances of there being static electricity, resulting in more frequent static shocks and clingy clothing.
How to Measure Your Home’s Humidity Levels
To better address the issue, it’s important to understand what is the ideal humidity range for inside your home. Experts recommend maintaining indoor humidity between 30-50%. However, during our long Connecticut winters, indoor humidity often drops to a less than optimal 10-20%.
You can measure your home’s humidity using:
- Hygrometers: These affordable devices are readily available and effectively track indoor humidity.
- Smart Home Systems: Some modern thermostats come equipped with humidity sensors for convenient monitoring.
- Professional HVAC Assessments: HVAC professionals can provide a comprehensive evaluation of your home’s humidity levels.
What Can You Do About Dry Air in Your Home
Fortunately, there are a number of effective solutions to help you combat dry air and create a comfortable and healthy home environment during our New England winter months.
Humidification Strategies:
Natural Techniques: Introducing houseplants, placing water-filled containers near heat sources, hanging damp towels, or incorporating decorative water features can help increase humidity naturally. The results will be inconsistent and maintaining a natural system requires work.
Portable Humidifiers: These are easy-to-use and maintain, offering room-specific moisture addition in various sizes and capacities. The downside is that the take up some space in your living area.
Whole-House Humidifiers: Integrated with your HVAC system, these provide consistent humidity throughout your home. Although they require professional installation, the results are more effective and long lasting. Give Degree Heating and Cooling a call to have one installed in your Connecticut home.
Additional Tips for Dealing With Dry Winter Air
Seal Air Leaks: Inspect your home for drafts around windows and doors and seal them with weather stripping or caulking to prevent cold air from entering and further reducing indoor humidity.
Improve Insulation: Enhancing your home’s insulation can help maintain warmer indoor temperatures and reduce the need for excessive heating, minimizing moisture loss.
Use Breathable Fabrics: Opt for clothing and bedding made from natural, breathable fabrics to minimize skin irritation caused by dry air.
Moisturize: Regularly apply moisturizing lotions to combat dry skin.
Find a Qualified HVAC Professional to Help You
If you experience persistent dry air issues, significant home damage from low humidity, or respiratory problems worsened by dry conditions, it’s crucial to consult an HVAC professional.
Degree Heating and Cooling offers a range of indoor air quality services, including:
Professional Humidity Assessments: We can accurately measure humidity levels throughout your home, identify problem areas, and provide tailored recommendations.
Installation of Whole-House Humidification Systems: We can expertly install various types of humidifiers, such as bypass, steam, drum, or disc humidifiers, based on your home’s specific needs.
Advanced HVAC Modifications: We will inspect and seal ductwork to prevent moisture loss during air distribution, improving system efficiency and reducing energy costs. We can also install advanced humidity control systems on air handlers, including smart technology for precise moisture regulation.
Ongoing Maintenance Packages: At Degree, we offer seasonal humidity tune-ups, including system checks, filter replacements, and humidity sensor calibration, ensuring optimal performance during the long winters we have here.
Smart Home Integration: They can integrate WiFi-enabled humidity monitoring systems, providing real-time tracking, mobile app controls, and alerts for humidity level changes.
Don’t let Connecticut’s dry winter air compromise your comfort, your health, or your home’s health. With Degree’s help, you can maintain the perfect indoor humidity levels all season long. We’re here to help you tackle dry air with expert solutions tailored to your needs, from whole-house humidifiers to advanced HVAC modifications. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and experience the difference a properly humidified home can make. Stay comfortable this winter—call Degree Heating and Cooling now!