There’s a reason why air feels drier during cold weather than when it’s warmer. That’s since warmer air retains extra moisture, or humidity, than colder air.
The same is true inside your Elkhart house. Starting 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 susceptible to getting sick.
Here’s why your gas furnace dries out your residence’s air and what you can do to fix it.
Your Furnace’s Combustion Procedures are Part of the Trouble
The fuel your furnace needs isn’t the source responsible for making your home’s air seem dry. Rather, it’s the way it combusts.
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 entirely sealed.
A standard furnace, also known as an atmosphere furnace, pulls air from inside your residence to combust. Because the furnace consistently relies on air to burn, it will also use cold, dry air from outdoors, which in turn reduces your residence’s humidity.
High-efficiency furnaces, also known as a sealed combustion furnace, are used for keeping your humidity even. They pull all their combustion air from outside, but it stays contained in the sealed furnace. As an added bonus, they keep your home more cozy while requiring less energy. Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR® furnace from an old furnace might save you as much as 40% on heating costs, according to Lennox®.
Besides combustion, cold air also naturally drifts into your house during the winter. Lower humidity means the air will rob moisture fast from your skin, lips, nose and throat. It’s also to blame for static electricity.
How to Balance Humidity in Your Residence
Using a humidifier. While a portable humidifier can only make one room pleasant at a time, a whole-house humidifier will generate that comfort across your residence.
These are just a few humidifier benefits you’ll receive when you switch to a whole-home system.
Enhanced Health During Cold and Flu Season
It’s common that cooler weather is the worst time for colds, flu and other illnesses. That’s since you’re more susceptible to get sick when your nose and throat are dry. Under particular airflow conditions, air at the specific humidity level might also slow the spread of some viruses. Also, it can reduce year-round allergy symptoms.
Relief from Dry Skin
If you have consistent dry skin or eczema, you understand just how aggravating those conditions can be during winter. Adding a whole-house humidifier will help your skin keep more moisture.
Better Sleep
Maintaining your bedroom at the right temperature and humidity level will keep you more comfortable at night. It can also reduce loud snoring, since your throat and nose will be better hydrated.
Protects the Wood in Your House
Cabinets, flooring, furniture and basically anything in your home that’s wood is affected when humidity is too low. This is because of the fact dry air draws moisture from the wood and causes it to fracture. Balancing your home’s humidity at the proper level will keep your residence’s furnishings looking their best.
Little Maintenance Necessary
Between steady 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 done at the same time as your furnace tune-up.
A steam humidifier has the least amount of maintenance since it doesn’t need a pad. It retains water in a canister and boils it into steam that gets distributed through your ductwork. Because it’s independently powered, it can work when the furnace isn’t running.
Schedule Your Free Home Comfort Consultation Now
If your residence’s air feels less than comfy during colder weather, BW/Cook Service Experts can help. Call us at 574-218-6404 to request a free home comfort consultation. There’s no sales tactics, just free Expert recommendations on how you can balance your home’s humidity at just the correct level. And, like our other services, our work is supported 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.