There’s a reason why air seems drier during colder months than when it’s warmer. That’s because warmer air retains additional moisture, or humidity, than colder air.
The same is true inside your Roanoke home. Turning on your gas furnace makes your residence feel warmer but can also dry out the indoor air. Dry air can transport a whole host of ailments, like dry skin, cracked lips and make you more exposed to getting sick.
Here’s why your gas furnace dries out your house’s air and what you can do to fix it.
Your Furnace’s Combustion Procedures are a Portion of the Trouble
The fuel your furnace uses isn’t the culprit responsible for making your house’s air seem dry. Rather, it’s the combustion process.
There are two different types of gas furnaces, standard and high efficiency. With an older standard furnace, you can detect light from the burners when it’s on. A newer, high-efficiency furnace is completely sealed.
A standard furnace, also called an atmosphere furnace, takes air from inside your house to combust. Because the furnace constantly needs air to burn, it will also use cold, dry air from outdoors, which in turn lowers your home’s humidity.
High-efficiency furnaces, also referred to as a sealed combustion furnace, are best for keeping your humidity balanced. They draw all their combustion air from outside, but it stays locked in the sealed furnace. As an extra bonus, they keep your home more cozy while consuming less energy. Moving to an ENERGY STAR® furnace from an old furnace may save you as much as 40% on heating costs, according to Lennox®.
In addition to combustion, cold air also naturally seeps into your house during the winter. Reduced humidity means the air will snatch moisture rapidly from your skin, lips, nose and throat. It also contributes to static electricity.
How to Stabilize Humidity in Your House
Using a humidifier. While a portable humidifier can only make one room pleasant at a time, a whole-house humidifier will transport that comfort across your home.
These are just a couple humidifier benefits you’ll receive when you switch to a whole-home system.
Improved Health During Cold and Flu Season
It’s no surprise cooler weather is the worst time for colds, flu and other illnesses. That’s since you’re more likely to get sick when your nose and throat are dry. Under certain airflow conditions, air at the correct humidity level can also slow the spread of some viruses. In addition, it can weaken year-round allergy symptoms.
Relief from Dry Skin
If you have chronically dry skin or eczema, you realize just how irritating those conditions make you during winter. Getting a whole-house humidifier will help your skin keep more moisture.
Better Sleep
Maintaining your bedroom at the ideal temperature and humidity level will keep you cozy at night. It can also reduce loud snoring, since your throat and nose will be better hydrated.
Defends the Wood in Your Home
Cabinets, flooring, furniture and generally anything in your residence that’s wood doesn’t like it when humidity is too low. This is because of the fact dry air absorbs moisture from the wood and causes it to split. Balancing your home’s humidity at the right level will keep your house’s furnishings looking their best.
Little Maintenance Necessary
Between frequent filter changes and constant refilling, portable humidifiers expect a lot of upkeep. A whole-house humidifier only needs servicing about once a year, which can be performed alongside your furnace tune-up.
A steam humidifier has the smallest amount of maintenance since it doesn’t require a pad. It holds water in a canister and boils it into steam that gets transported through your ductwork. Since it’s independently powered, it can work when the furnace isn’t running.
Request Your Free Home Comfort Consultation Now
If your house’s air feels less than comfy during colder weather, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help. Call us at 540-302-8645 to arrange a free home comfort consultation. There’s no pressure, just free Expert advice on how you can keep your home’s humidity at just the right level. And, like our other services, our work is backed by our legendary 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for one year.*
*Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program Agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions.