Why a Gas Furnace Dries Out Your Homes Air and How to Solve It

There’s a reason why air seems drier in the winter than when it’s hotter. That’s due to the fact warmer air retains additional moisture, or humidity, than colder air. 

The same is true for your the U.S. residence. 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, like dry skin, cracked lips and make you more likely to get sick. 

Here’s why your gas furnace dries out your house’s air and what you can do to fix it. 

Your Furnace’s Combustion Process is a share the Issue 

The fuel your furnace needs isn’t the thing responsible for making your home’s air appear 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 notice light from the burners when it’s running. A newer, high-efficiency furnace is completely sealed. 

A standard furnace, also called an atmosphere furnace, draws air from inside your home to function. Because the furnace constantly depends on air to burn, it will also use cold, dry air from outdoors, which in turn affects your house’s humidity. 

High-efficiency furnaces, also referred to as a sealed combustion furnace, are used for keeping your humidity balanced. They take all their combustion air from outdoors, but it stays trapped within the sealed furnace. As an extra perk, they keep your house more comfortable while requiring less energy. Moving to an ENERGY STAR® furnace from an old furnace might save you as much as 40% on heating costs, according to Lennox®. 

In addition to combustion, cold air also naturally moves into your house during colder weather. Reduced humidity means the air will rob moisture fast from your skin, lips, nose and throat. It also contributes to static electricity. 

How to Stabilize Humidity in Your Home 

Using a humidifier. While a portable humidifier can only make one room pleasant at a time, a whole-house humidifier will generate that comfort throughout your residence. 

These are just a small number of humidifier benefits you’ll get when you switch to a whole-home system. 

Enhanced Health During Cold and Flu Season 

It’s common that cold weather is the worst time for colds, flu and other illnesses. That’s since you’re more apt to end up sick when your nose and throat are dry. Under specific airflow conditions, air at the specific humidity level can also slow the spread of some viruses. Additionally, it can reduce year-round allergy symptoms. 

Relief from Dry Skin 

If you have consistent dry skin or eczema, you realize just how aggravating those conditions are during winter. Installing a whole-house humidifier will help your skin keep more moisture. 

Better Sleep 

Maintaining your bedroom at the right 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. 

Guards the Wood in Your House 

Cabinets, flooring, furniture and most anything in your home that’s wood is affected when humidity is too low. This is due to the fact dry air draws moisture from the wood and causes it to fracture. Keeping your house’s humidity at the proper level will keep your residence’s furnishings looking their best. 

Little Maintenance Required 

Between steady filter changes and continual refilling, portable humidifiers rely on a lot of upkeep. A whole-house humidifier only needs a tune-up about once a year, which can be completed alongside your furnace tune-up. 

A steam humidifier has the lowest amount of maintenance since it doesn’t need a pad. It retains water in a canister and boils it into steam that gets transported through your ductwork. Because it’s independently powered, it can work when the furnace isn’t running. 

Schedule Your Free Home Comfort Consultation Now 

If your home’s air feels less than comfortable during the winter, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help. Call us at 866-397-3787 to set up a free home comfort consultation. There’s no sales tactics, just free Expert recommendations on how you can keep your residence’s humidity at just the proper level. And, like our other services, our work is protected by our famous 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.