There’s a reason why air seems drier during colder months than when it’s warmer. That’s since warmer air carries more moisture, or humidity, than colder air.
The same is true for your Cleveland house. Turning on your gas furnace makes your house feel warmer but can also dry out the indoor air. Dry air can bring a whole host of ailments, such as dry skin, cracked lips and make you more exposed to getting sick.
Here’s why your gas furnace dries out your house’s air and what you can do to counter it.
Your Furnace’s Combustion Process is Part of the Problem
The fuel your furnace consumes isn’t the thing responsible for making your home’s air feel dry. Rather, it’s the combustion procedures.
There are two different styles of gas furnaces, standard and high efficiency. With an older standard furnace, you can see light from the burners when it’s on. A newer, high-efficiency furnace is completely sealed.
A standard furnace, also termed an atmosphere furnace, draws air from inside your home to combust. Because the furnace consistently needs air to burn, it will also use cold, dry air from outdoors, which in turn lowers your house’s humidity.
High-efficiency furnaces, also known as a sealed combustion furnace, are best for keeping your humidity steady. They draw all their combustion air from outdoors, but it stays locked within the sealed furnace. As another perk, they keep your residence more comfortable while requiring less energy. Switching to an ENERGY STAR® furnace from an old furnace might save you as much as 40% on heating costs, according to Lennox®.
Other than combustion, cold air also naturally drifts into your home during cold weather. Lower humidity means the air will snatch moisture quickly from your skin, lips, nose and throat. It’s also to blame for static electricity.
How to Even Out Humidity in Your House
Using a humidifier. While a portable humidifier can only make one room comfy at a time, a whole-house humidifier will generate that comfort across your home.
These are just a couple humidifier benefits you’ll receive when you put in a whole-home system.
Better Health During Cold and Flu Season
It’s common that cold weather is the worst time for colds, flu and other sicknesses. That’s since you’re more likely to end up sick when your nose and throat are dry. Under specific airflow conditions, air at the specific humidity level may also resist the spread of some viruses. In addition, it can reduce year-round allergy symptoms.
Soothes Dry Skin
If you have consistent dry skin or eczema, you realize just how aggravating those conditions can be during winter. Installing a whole-house humidifier will help your skin hold onto more moisture.
Enhanced Sleep
Maintaining your bedroom at the preferred temperature and humidity level will keep you cozy at night. It can also decrease loud snoring, since your throat and nose will be better hydrated.
Defends the Wood in Your House
Cabinets, flooring, furniture and just about anything in your house that’s wood is affected when humidity is too low. This is a result of the fact dry air draws moisture from the wood and causes it to split. Having your home’s humidity at the proper level will keep your residence’s furnishings looking their best.
Little Maintenance Needed
Between frequent filter changes and continuous refilling, portable humidifiers require a lot of upkeep. A whole-house humidifier only needs maintenance about once a year, which can be done at the same time as your furnace tune-up.
A steam humidifier has the least amount of maintenance since it doesn’t require a pad. It retains water in a canister and boils it into steam that gets moved through your ductwork. Since it’s independently powered, it can be in use when the furnace is off.
Book Your Free Home Comfort Consultation Right Away
If your residence’s air feels less than pleasant during colder weather, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help. Call us at 440-252-1375 to schedule a free home comfort consultation. There’s no pressure, just free Expert advice on how you can balance your residence’s humidity at just the correct level. And, like our other services, our work is backed by our well-known 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for one year.*
*Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program Agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions.