Low humidity adversely affects your health. Even though residents of Newnan, Georgia, don’t face extreme weather conditions, cold winters and occasional snow and ice make it essential to have an efficient heating system. Winter weather also brings dry indoor air, so your heater has to be able to fight low humidity as well. Symptoms of a dry environment include flaky skin, snoring, sinus and throat irritation, nasal congestion and itchy eyes. Chronic dryness can inflame the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and weaken this natural barrier against viruses and infections. Low indoor humidity reduces indoor air quality and can cause paint and wood to crack. There are several strategies you can implement to manage humidity levels in your home, and they don’t have to cost a fortune.
Seal Air Leaks
Sealing air leaks can help you to get rid of dry air, so you save on energy costs. If there are leaks around windows, doors or other areas, you lose moisture from the air quickly. Seal leaks with weatherstripping and caulking. These materials are inexpensive and are simple DIY tasks.
It is easy to detect leaks. Just look for gaps or cracks or feel for drafts. Our technicians can help you to locate sources of energy waste and recommend effective solutions.
Add A Humidification Unit
A humidifier will add needed moisture to your indoor air. You can opt for portable or a whole-home option. Because low humidity makes you feel cold, you will tend to increase the thermostat settings to stay warm, which increases energy costs. Oversized furnaces run only briefly before turning off, so the humidification system won’t run long enough to add moisture to the air. Conversely, an oversized air conditioner that runs only briefly won’t lower the humidity as needed. You end up needing lower than required thermostat settings to remove excess moisture, but then you feel cold, and your cooling costs will increase. Relative indoor humidity should be between 30 and 55 percent; 40 to 50 percent is ideal. Adding a whole-house humidifier can keep relative humidity at about 45 percent.
For more tips on how to improve indoor air quality, contact Merrell & Associates today at 770-872-4171. Our indoor air quality experts will help you to find the right solutions for your home.