How to Combat Dry Air in Your House

Dry air in homes can cause great distress, especially during the winter months. Not only does the air dry out your skin, but furniture can loosen and crack at the joints, book bindings can split and moisture is drained out of practically everything in the home. It occurs because the outside air is naturally dry in winter and the relative humidity is low. The same air is brought into the house and warmed by the heating system where it becomes even drier than outside air. However, there are ways to combat the dry air issue

Humidity

Most homes require a humidity level of 20-30 percent for the residents to be comfortable. If the level falls below 20 percent, the air in the home is much too dry. An instrument known as a hygrometer measures humidity and it is a good idea to have one in the home to help monitor the air during the cooler time of year.

Humidifiers

An investment in a home humidifier is a sound one. When making the decision, consider whether a whole-house system is needed or just a smaller, portable unit for use in a particular room of the house.

The larger the house and the colder the climate, the larger the humidifier purchased should be. An older home with loose construction, leaky windows and doors and little or no insulation will need a larger humidifier than a tightly-built house of the same size. This is because moisture leaks out of a loose home much faster and more moisture needs to be introduced at a quicker pace in order to keep the humidity up to comfortable levels.

A whole-house humidifier can be located anywhere in the home, but it is best to choose a centralized location. Moisture is then discharged freely into a main part of the house circulating throughout the house until its own level is reached. Unlike heat, the humidifier does not require or rely on ductwork or piping to to circulate moisture. Doors should, however, be left open to rooms where moisture is desired.

Families Are a Built-in Humidifier

Many homes with families do not require extra efforts to control humidity levels. Water vapor from bathing, cooking and other moisture-generating appliances like washing machines and clothes dryers add considerably to humidity levels.

However, even with built-in, family-generated moisture a single-room humidifier may be necessary if dry noses or throats become problematic. Smaller units sometimes referred to as vaporizers, are set on the floor at night and plug into an available electrical outlet. These units can add relief when needed and be stored during seasons with higher humidity levels.

Vaporizers and humidifiers of all types and sizes can be checked out at the local hardware store or home center.

Remember, always work safely.