As adults, the number of breathes we take is nearly 23,000 times a day. What is the quality of the air you’re breathing? As we get through the colder months and into the days of spring, it’s a great opportunity to look in to your home’s indoor air quality. There are plenty of opportunities for cold weather and the cooler air contains less moisture. Dry air isn’t just uncomfortable, it can impact your health and your home.
Low Humidity Increases the Likelihood of Getting Sick
Catching a cold doesn’t typically happen the time of year when colder weather hits. The possibility of getting a cold may increase because cold air is less humid than warm air. Less humidity causes the mucus membranes in your sinus and nasal cavities to dry out. Those membranes are doing the important job of filtering out bacteria and debris and when they get drier they open up and boost your chance of ending up with a cold, the flu or another infection.
Dry Air Damages Your Skin
Taking care of your skin is important, especially since it’s your largest organ. If you are feeling extra itchy, the absence of humidity could be the problem. Before you head out to begin buying lotion in bulk, think about getting a whole-home humidifier as a more long-term alternative.
Damages to Your Home
When the air in the home doesn’t have enough moisture it will try to pull moisture from the items in your house. This might result in the wood in your home becoming damaged and create cracks in the walls and floors.
Checking for Dry Air
Aside from itchy skin and an everlasting cold there are a handful of ways to check for dry air in your home, including:
- An uptick in static electricity
- Cracks in the floors
- Breaks in trim and molding
- Peeling wallpaper
Any of these issues could mean it’s wise to consider a humidifier and improve your indoor air quality.
You’ve come to the right place for help, our experts will help you ensure those 23,000 breaths you take every day are as good as possible. Your health and home are our greatest priority. Reach out to our team at 614-451-0846 and chat with one of our indoor air professionals to help you strike the perfect humidity level for your indoor space.