Adults take about 23,000 breaths everyday. Do you know if the quality of the air you are breathing is enough? As spring arrives, it’s a perfect situation to review your home’s indoor air quality. We still have a lot of cool days ahead of us and colder air holds a decreased amount of moisture. This dry air is not only uncomfortable, but it can affect your health and your residence.
Low Humidity Increases Your Chances of Getting Sick
That you get a cold because it’s cold outside is an old wives’ tale… but there is a little truth to it. As we said, cold air is drier and dry air can cause you some health issues. The mucous membranes in your nose and sinuses dry out when humidity is decreased, so they are unable to do their task of sifting out germs. This heightens the possibility of your family getting sick with the flu, cold or a similar illness.
Dry Air Damages Your Skin
In the Marshalltown winter, you might notice your skin is dry and itchy. Lack of humidity is the problem. Lotion can be a solution to treat the symptoms, but an investment in a whole-home humidifier could fix the actual culprit.
Damages to Your Home
The lower humidity in your home’s air can also affect the wood around 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
While itchy skin and a perpetual cold are indications that your indoor air is too dry, there are additional symptoms to watch for as well:
- A notable increase in static electricity
- Cracks in your flooring
- Spaces in the molding and trim
- Loosening wallpaper
Each of these issues signify that it’s probably time to review your indoor air quality. We’re happy to lend a hand! Call our indoor air professionals at B & G HVAC.