Have you ever wondered why your skin feels extra parched during the winter months or why you wake up with a scratchy throat or dry nose on a cold morning? The answer lies in the nature of cold air. Continue reading to learn more about this phenomenon and understand its impact on your HVAC system.
Why is Cold Air Dry?
During the colder months, we often experience symptoms like chapped lips, dry skin, and even increased acne. At the same time, our homes may show signs of static electricity, creaking hardwood floors, and cracking wood furniture. All these are indicators of the dryness in the air that is common during winter.
Typically, warm air holds more moisture than cooler air. In winter, the cold air that seeps into your home from outside carries very little moisture. When you crank up the heat inside your house, it adds warmth but doesn't increase the amount of moisture in the air, leading to dryness.
Impact on Your HVAC System
Apart from health concerns, dry air can pose serious risks to your home and HVAC system. The furnishings inside your home may start to show drastic signs of wear when temperatures decrease.
You can take several preventative measures to ensure you keep your home and family safe from harsh, dry air.
Install a Whole-Home Humidifier
When it comes to reducing the dryness in your home, your best bet is a humidifier. A whole-home humidifier, installed directly into your heating system’s ductwork, ensures that moisture is provided to your entire house. As your HVAC system heats and cycles air, it also adds moisture because it is connected directly to your home’s water supply. This helps evenly distribute moisture and raise the humidity in every room.
Seal Your Home
Your home will constantly lose moisture and let in cold, dry air if there are air leaks. Moisture can escape through windows, under doors, and through your ductwork if you have any unchecked leaks. Be sure to perform a thorough inspection of these common problem areas to reduce lost moisture.
Lower the Heat
Increasing the heat when it gets cold reduces the humidity in your home. Avoiding turning on the heat can help preserve the humidity in your home, but this isn’t always an option for those in colder climates.
Taking steps to increase the humidity levels in your home during winter can help keep you comfortable and protect your HVAC system and furnishings. Remember, Hoffman Cooling & Heating is always here to help with all your HVAC needs.
HVAC Technicians You Can Depend On
Hoffman Cooling & Heating sets the standard for quality and reliability in the HVAC industry. With an impressive track record that spans over 70 years, we are committed to offering top-notch heating and air conditioning services that cater to the unique needs of each customer. Whether it's minor repairs, full-scale system changeouts, or emergency services, we have meticulously trained technicians ready to respond promptly.
We understand the importance of comfort in your home or office, so we offer durable brands and flexible financing options to suit your budget. Remember, your comfort is our number one priority, so don't hesitate to reach out to us at (612) 255-5883 whenever you need expert help from experienced technicians.
Schedule an appointment today!