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If your skin is itchy and flaky and breathing is becoming difficult, your indoor air may be too dry. Low indoor humidity levels could also be to blame for worsened allergies or asthma symptoms.
Without enough moisture, extremely dry air can cause wooden doors and windows to warp or shrink, wallpaper to crack and paint to peel. Additionally, static electricity can build up and you may experience an increase of static shocks.
To combat these issues and improve indoor air quality, consider investing in a whole-house humidification system, like the ones provided by Anderson Air, to maintain optimal humidity levels and alleviate discomfort.
Below are six telling signs of dry air in your home.
1. Itchy and Flaky Skin
Winter brings subzero temperatures and dry indoor air quality issues that may initially seem harmless. Unfortunately, living in an overly dry home can have detrimental impacts on your health and comfort levels.
Low humidity levels pull moisture from your skin and lips, leaving them flaky and itchy. Furthermore, mucus membranes inside your nose become dried out – increasing your susceptibility to infections from viruses and bacteria lurking in the cold, dry air.
2. Irritated Sinuses
If you regularly awaken with sore throat or nose symptoms in the mornings, this could be a telltale sign that your air quality needs improvement. Low humidity levels in the air contribute to skin issues but also things like nosebleeds and respiratory illnesses. A humidifier is an ideal way to combat them. That’s the reason many hospitals, offices, hotels, and other large spaces use a commercial humidifier to maintain optimal air quality and prevent health issues.
Dry air makes it easier for allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander to circulate through your home’s atmosphere and irritate sinuses, leading to headaches and itchy throats. Invest in a humidifier that adds water vapor back into the atmosphere to keep humidity at a healthy level this winter.
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3. Coughing
Dry air can irritate nasal membranes, leading to frequent coughing – something especially detrimental to those suffering from respiratory conditions like asthma.
If you are experiencing dry air at home, use a humidifier to increase humidity levels in your house, with 30-50% being considered ideal. A humidifier will help achieve this target and alleviate many associated issues with dry air.
4. Dry Mouth
A dry mouth is another symptom of having dry air in your home. In addition to being an unpleasant experience, it can lead to critical issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.
If you suffer from this uncomfortable symptom, try a humidifier. Numerous types are available, including cool or warm mist humidifiers; you could even use one overnight while sleeping for maximum breathing comfort.
5. Peeling Paint and Warped Furniture
Dry air can damage your home’s woodwork and walls by cracking, shrinking, and warping them, reducing paint durability, making wallpaper peel off or bubble up, or making paint fade over time.
If you notice these signs, consider a humidifier but note that overly humid air can harm your furniture as well, so aim for a balance.
6. Static Electricity
Static electricity can cause those little shocks you experience when touching doorknobs or taking off a winter hat after taking it off, but don’t let it scare you!
Every atom contains positive charges (protons) and negative charges (electrons), creating different electrical costs in other objects like your hat and doorknob that come in contact. Electrons leap from one thing to the next, causing that sudden, sharp sensation when in touch.
Low humidity levels cause static electricity to build up, potentially damaging clothes, blankets, and furniture. A humidifier can help alleviate this by maintaining an ideal humidity level within your home.
