Adults take approximately 23,000 breaths everyday. Do you know if the quality of the air you are breathing is decent? As spring approaches, it’s a perfect occasion to review your home’s indoor air quality. We still have a lot of cool days in the future and colder air retains a decreased amount of moisture. This dry air is not only uncomfortable, but it can take a toll on your health and your house.
Low Humidity Heightens Your Chances of Getting Sick
That you catch a cold because cool temps outside is an old wives’ tale… but there is some truth to it. As we mentioned, cold air is drier and dry air can cause you some health challenges. The mucous membranes in your nose and sinuses dry out when humidity is decreased, so they are unable to do their function of sifting out germs. This heightens the chances of getting an illness.
Dry Air Damages Your Skin
In the Phoenix winter, you could see that your skin feels dry and itchy. Absence of humidity is the issue. Lotion can be a solution to treat the symptoms, but investing in a whole-home humidifier could fix the actual culprit.
Damages to Your Home
The lack of moisture in your home’s air can also affect the wood in your home—baseboards, floors, furniture—because the air takes moisture from these items. You may even end up with cracks in the walls and floors.
Watching for Dry Air
Although itchy skin and a perpetual cold are tips that your indoor air is lacking moisture, there are additional symptoms to keep an eye out for as well:
- A notable increase in static electricity
- Cracks in your flooring
- Openings in the molding and trim
- Loosening wallpaper
Each of these issues indicate that it’s likely time to take a look at your indoor air quality. We are here to help! Contact our indoor air professionals at Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc.