Adults take approximately 23,000 breaths everyday. Do you know if the quality of the air you’re breathing is decent? As spring gets closer, it’s an ideal time to evaluate your home’s indoor air quality. We have plenty cool days coming up and colder air retains a decreased amount of moisture. This dry air is not only uncomfortable, but it can affect your health and your house.
Low Humidity Increases Your Chances of Getting Sick
That you get a cold because of the colder weather outside is an old wives’ tale… but there is some truth to it. As we mentioned, cold air is drier and dry air can cause you some health problems. The mucous membranes in your nose and sinuses dry out when humidity is decreased, so they’re not doing their task of filtering out germs. This heightens your chances of getting a cold, the flu or another infection.
Dry Air Hurts Your Skin
In the York winter, you could find your skin feels dry and itchy. Shortage of humidity is the culprit. Lotion can help you treat the symptoms, but investing in a whole-home humidifier could solve the actual problem.
Damages to Your Home
The lower amounts of moisture in your home’s air can also damage the wood around your home—baseboards, floors, furniture—because the air will pull moisture from these items. You might even end up with cracks in the walls and floors.
Checking for Dry Air
Even though itchy skin and a never-ending cold are tips that your indoor air may be dry, there are a few other symptoms to look for as well:
- An increase in static electricity
- Cracks in the flooring
- Gaps in your trim and molding
- Cracking wallpaper
All of these concerns indicate that it’s likely time to review your indoor air quality. We can lend a hand! Reach out to our indoor air professionals at Strine's Heating & Air Conditioning.