As adults, the number of breathes we take is around 23,000 times a day. Are you aware of the air you are breathing in? As we progress from colder weather and into the beginning of spring, it’s an ideal opportunity to look at your home’s indoor air quality. There are plenty of opportunities for cold weather and the cooler air holds less moisture. Dry air isn’t just uncomfortable, it can effect your health and your home.
Low Humidity Increases the Odds of Getting Sick
Ending up with a cold doesn’t normally happen the time of year when colder weather hits. Your chance of ending up with a cold may increase because cold air is less humid than warm air. The lack of humidity dries out the mucus membranes that line the nasal and sinus cavities. Those membranes are doing the important job of monitoring for bacteria and debris and when they become dry they open up and boost your chance of ending up with the flu or a cold.
Dry Air Damages Your Skin
Taking care of your skin is important, especially since it’s your largest organ. If you are feeling extremely itchy, the absence of humidity might be the culprit. Before you head out to begin purchasing lotion in large quantities, contemplate getting a whole-home humidifier instead.
Damages to Your Home
If your air lacks moisture it will attempt to pull moisture from the things in your home. This may result in the wood in your home becoming damaged and create cracks in the walls and floors.
Checking for Dry Air
Aside from itchy skin and an everlasting cold there are some other ways to assess how much moisture is in your home, such as:
- An uptick in static electricity
- Cracks in the floors
- Gaps in trim and molding
- Peeling wallpaper
Any of these issues could mean it’s smart to think about a humidifier and improve your indoor air quality.
We want to help make sure those 23,000 breaths you take each day are the best possible. Your health and home should be your greatest priority. Call us at 1-866-781-0111 and talk with one of our indoor air pros to help you identify the ideal humidity level for your indoor space.