Adults breathe approximately 23,000 times a day. What is the quality of the air you’re breathing? As we get through winter and into the beginning of spring, it’s a great opportunity to look at your home’s indoor air quality. There are a number of cool days on the horizon and the cooler air holds less moisture. While drier air may decrease your comfort levels, it can impact your health and your home.
Low Humidity Increases the Likelihood of Getting Sick
Catching a cold doesn’t normally happen the time of year when colder weather hits. Your chance of ending up with a cold might rise because cold air is less humid than warm air. Lower humidity dries out the mucus membranes that line the nasal and sinus cavities. Those membranes are doing the critical job of monitoring for bacteria and debris and when they become dry they open up and boost your chance of getting an illness, such as the cold or flu.
Dry Air Damages Your Skin
Taking care of your skin is important, especially since it’s your largest organ. If you are feeling very itchy, reduced of humidity may be the issue. Before you start purchasing lotion in large quantities, consider investing in a whole-home humidifier instead.
Damages to Your Home
If your air lacks moisture it will work to pull moisture from the things in your indoor space. This could cause damage to the wood around your home and create cracks in the walls and floors.
Checking for Dry Air
Other than itchy skin and a perpetual cold there are a handful of ways to check on the moisture levels in your house, including:
- An increase in static electricity
- Cracks in the floors
- Gaps in trim and molding
- Wallpaper that is coming down
Any of these things could mean it’s time to look into a humidifier and improve your indoor air quality.
We want to help ensure those 23,000 breaths you take every day are as good as they can be. Your health and home is a top priority. Reach out to our team at 715-301-0256 and talk with one of our indoor air pros to help you strike the best balance of humidity and comfort in your home.