The Problem with Dry Air

April 19, 2016

Adults take approximately 23,000 breaths everyday. Can you tell if the quality of the air you are breathing is decent? As spring approaches, it’s a perfect occasion to review your home’s indoor air quality. We have plenty cool days coming up and colder air holds a lower amount of moisture. This dry air is not only uncomfortable, but it can affect your health and your house.

Low Humidity Heightens Your Chances of Getting Sick

That you get 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 cause you some health challenges. The mucous membranes in your nose and sinuses dry out when humidity is low, so they’re not doing their function of cleaning out germs. This heightens the chances of getting an illness.

Dry Air Harms Your Skin

In the Hasbrouck Heights winter, you could notice your skin feels dry and itchy. Lack of humidity is the problem. Lotion can be a solution to treat the symptoms, but investing in a whole-home humidifier could fix the actual problem.

Damages to Your Home

The lower amounts of moisture in your home’s air can also impact the wood in your home—baseboards, floors, furniture—because the air pulls moisture from these items. You could even notice cracks in the walls and floors.

Evaluating for Dry Air

Although itchy skin and a continuous cold are indications that your indoor air is lacking moisture, there are a few other symptoms to keep an eye out for as well:

  • A rise in in static electricity
  • Cracks in the flooring
  • Openings in the molding and trim
  • Cracking wallpaper

Any of these problems signify that it’s possibly time to take a look at your indoor air quality. We can lend a hand! Contact our indoor air professionals at ACE Solutions.