November 30, 2012
As the temperature decreases in the Lawton, Oklahoma area, you fire up your furnace to keep toasty and warm. But did you know heating your air can create other comfort problems?
If your family is experiencing itchy skin, sore throats, bloody noses, respiratory problems or other uncomfortable symptoms, your home could be a victim of dry air.
What is dry air?
When we say “dry air” what we really mean is air in your home that has a low relative humidity or moisture.
According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) relative humidity in your home should be maintained within 30-60% for optimum comfort. That’s usually around 30% in winter and 60% in the summer.
Once relative humidity drops below 30% you will start noticing some of the very uncomfortable symptoms of dry air.
What are the symptoms that my home has dry air?
When your home’s humidity is below comfort level you will normally notice:
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unusually dry skin
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coughing
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chapped lips
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increased amounts of static electricity, which can cause mild shocks and damage to your electronic equipment
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worsened allergy and asthma symptoms
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dying houseplants
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nosebleeds
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loose edges on your wallpaper
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cracks in your drywall or plaster walls
As you can see, leaving dry air alone can cost you money and make things very uncomfortable for your family.
How can I deal with dry air?
The best way to defeat the symptoms associated with dry air is to increase the relative humidity.
Here are a few ways to increase the humidity in your home:
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Hang wet laundry clothes on inside on laundry racks - Not only will you save money from not using your dryer, but, as your clothes are drying, they will release moisture into the air which will increase the humidity.
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Buy a flow-through humidifier - Since flow-through humidifiers are installed directly into your heating or cooling system they can regularly monitor your home’s humidity levels. And they release just enough moisture into the air to give you the perfect level of humidity to keep you comfortable.
Heating your air doesn’t have to mean uncomfortable dry air in your home. Use these tips to keep the air in your home at the optimum humidity level.
