There’s a reason why air appears drier during cold weather than when it’s warmer. That’s due to the fact warmer air holds additional moisture, or humidity, than colder air.
The same is true inside your Louisville residence. Using your gas furnace makes your residence feel warmer but can also dry out the indoor air. Dry air can carry a whole host of ailments, such as dry skin, cracked lips and make you more vulnerable to getting sick.
Here’s why your gas furnace dries out your home’s air and what you can do to combat it.
Your Furnace’s Combustion Steps are a share the Problem
The fuel your furnace consumes isn’t the culprit responsible for making your residence’s air appear dry. Rather, it’s the combustion procedures.
There are two different kinds of gas furnaces, standard and high efficiency. With an older standard furnace, you can notice light from the burners when it’s working. A newer, high-efficiency furnace is entirely sealed.
A standard furnace, also called an atmosphere furnace, takes air from inside your house to function. Because the furnace consistently needs air to burn, it will also pull cold, dry air from outdoors, which in turn affects your home’s humidity.
High-efficiency furnaces, also known as a sealed combustion furnace, are better at keeping your humidity balanced. They draw all their combustion air from your home’s exterior, but it stays trapped in the sealed furnace. As another advantage, they keep your house more comfy while using less energy. Switching to an ENERGY STAR® furnace from an old furnace can save you as much as 40% on heating costs, according to Lennox®.
Besides combustion, cold air also naturally flows into your home during the winter. Decreased humidity means the air will snatch moisture quickly from your skin, lips, nose and throat. It also contributes to static electricity.
How to Stabilize Humidity in Your House
Using a humidifier. While a portable humidifier can only make one room pleasant at a time, a whole-house humidifier will spread that comfort around your home.
These are just a few humidifier benefits you’ll acquire when you install a whole-home system.
Better Health During Cold and Flu Season
It’s no surprise winter is the worst time for colds, flu and other ailments. That’s due to the fact you’re more likely to get sick when your nose and throat are dry. Under certain airflow conditions, air at the specific humidity level can also restrict the spread of some viruses. In addition, it can combat year-round allergy symptoms.
Soothes Dry Skin
If you have consistent dry skin or eczema, you understand just how uncomfortable those conditions are during winter. Installing a whole-house humidifier will help your skin retain more moisture.
Enhanced Sleep
Preserving your bedroom at the right temperature and humidity level will keep you more comfortable at night. It can also decrease loud snoring, since your throat and nose will be better hydrated.
Protects the Wood in Your Residence
Cabinets, flooring, furniture and just about anything in your residence that’s wood doesn’t like it when humidity is too low. This is a result of the fact dry air absorbs moisture from the wood and causes it to split. Balancing your home’s humidity at the right level will keep your house’s furnishings looking their best.
Little Maintenance Needed
Between consistent filter changes and continual refilling, portable humidifiers require a lot of upkeep. A whole-house humidifier only needs a tune-up about once a year, which can be performed at the same time as your furnace tune-up.
A steam humidifier has the lowest amount of maintenance since it doesn’t need a pad. It holds water in a canister and boils it into steam that gets transported through your ductwork. Since it’s independently powered, it can work when the furnace isn’t on.
Schedule Your Free Home Comfort Consultation Right Away
If your home’s air feels less than pleasant during colder weather, Becht/Givens Service Experts can help. Call us at 502-785-8230 to schedule a free home comfort consultation. There’s no pressure, just free Expert suggestions on how you can maintain your house’s humidity at just the right level. And, like our other services, our work is backed by our legendary 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.