As much as you may hate summer’s heat and humidity, the dry air associated with winter isn’t much better. Dry indoor air can lead to a range of discomforts and health issues such as excess dust, dry, itchy skin, chapped lips, and more. If you’ve never considered whether or not your indoor air is too dry, don’t worry! We’ve compiled a guideline for how to tell if the air is dry in your house what steps you can take to address this common winter-time problem.

Signs of Dry Indoor Air

• Dry, Itchy Skin: One of the most noticeable signs of dry indoor air is dry, itchy skin. Low humidity levels can cause moisture to evaporate from your skin more quickly, leading to dryness, flakiness, and irritation.
• Chapped Lips: Just like your skin, your lips can also become dry and chapped when exposed to dry indoor air. Cracked or peeling lips are a common indication that the air in your home lacks sufficient moisture.
• Irritated Eyes and Throat: Dry air can also affect your eyes and throat, causing irritation, redness, and discomfort. If you frequently experience dry or scratchy eyes, or a sore throat, it could be a sign that the air in your home is too dry.
• Increased Static Electricity: Another sign of low humidity levels is an increase in static electricity. You may notice static shocks when touching metal objects or other people, or your clothes sticking to you more than usual.
• Worsened Allergies and Respiratory Issues: Dry air can exacerbate existing respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergies. It can irritate the nasal passages and airways, leading to congestion, coughing, and difficulty breathing, especially for those with sensitive respiratory systems.
• Wood Damage: Low humidity levels can also take a toll on wooden furniture, floors, and musical instruments. Wood may shrink, crack, or warp in dry conditions, potentially causing costly damage to your belongings.

Solutions for Dry Indoor Air

• Monitor Humidity Levels: Keep track of indoor humidity levels using a hygrometer, a device specifically designed to measure humidity. Ideally, indoor humidity should be maintained between 30% and 50% for optimum comfort and health.
• Take Shorter Showers: Long, hot showers can contribute to dry indoor air by increasing moisture loss. Opt for shorter showers with lukewarm water to minimize moisture evaporation from your skin and the bathroom environment. Apply a moisturizing lotion to damp skin to seal in moisture.
• Use Houseplants: Certain houseplants can help naturally increase humidity levels indoors through a process called transpiration. Plants release water vapor into the air through their leaves, acting as natural humidifiers. Place a few houseplants strategically throughout your home to benefit from their air-purifying and humidity-boosting properties.
• Use a Humidifier: Investing in a humidifier is one of the most effective ways to increase indoor humidity levels. These devices add moisture to the air, helping to alleviate dry skin, chapped lips, and respiratory discomfort. Place humidifiers in commonly used rooms such as the bedroom or living room for invest is a whole-house humidifier for maximum benefits.

Contact C&D Cooling & Heating to learn about all the benefits a whole-house humidity control system can provide. Summer or fall, a humidity control system expertly installed by C&D all you to raise or lower humidity levels to your ideal levels of comfort. To learn more or schedule a free in-home comfort analysis, contact C&D Cooling & Heating today.