Adults take around 23,000 breaths a day. Can you tell if the quality of the air you are breathing is good? As spring arrives, it’s an ideal situation to assess your home’s indoor air quality. We have plenty cool days coming up and colder air retains 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 catch a cold because it’s cold outside is an old wives’ tale… but there is something 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 lower, so they’re not doing their task of filtering out germs. This enhances the possibility of coming down with an illness.
Dry Air Damages Your Skin
In the Jefferson City winter, you may notice your skin is dry and itchy. Shortage of humidity is the culprit. Lotion can help you treat the symptoms, but putting an investment towards a whole-home humidifier could solve the actual issue.
Damages to Your Home
The lower humidity in your home’s air can also affect the wood around your home—baseboards, floors, furniture—because the air pulls moisture from these items. You could even see cracks in the walls and floors.
Evaluating for Dry Air
While itchy skin and a perpetual cold are signs that your indoor air may be dry, there are additional symptoms to look for as well:
- A rise in in static electricity
- Cracks in the flooring
- Gaps in the molding and trim
- Loosening wallpaper
Any of these problems suggest that it’s likely time to take a look at your indoor air quality. We can help! Reach out to our indoor air professionals at Stieferman Heating Company Inc.