There’s a reason why air seems drier in the winter than when it’s warmer. That’s due to the fact warmer air retains extra moisture, or humidity, than colder air.
The same is true for your Livermore home. Turning on your gas furnace makes your home feel warmer but can also dry out the indoor air. Dry air can carry a whole host of ailments, including dry skin, cracked lips and make you more likely to get sick.
Here’s why your gas furnace dries out your home’s air and what you can do to combat it.
Your Furnace’s Combustion Procedures are a Portion of the Issue
The fuel your furnace uses isn’t the culprit responsible for making your residence’s air appear 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 notice light from the burners when it’s heating. A newer, high-efficiency furnace is completely sealed.
A standard furnace, also called an atmosphere furnace, draws air from inside your house to work. Because the furnace continuously relies on air to burn, it will also use cold, dry air from outdoors, which in turn lowers your home’s humidity.
High-efficiency furnaces, also called a sealed combustion furnace, are best for keeping your humidity balanced. They take all their combustion air from your home’s exterior, but it stays locked within the sealed furnace. As an added perk, they keep your residence more warm while using less energy. Switching to an ENERGY STAR® furnace from an old furnace can save you as much as 40% on heating costs, according to Lennox®.
Besides combustion, cold air also naturally flows into your home during cold weather. Lower humidity means the air will snatch moisture rapidly from your skin, lips, nose and throat. It also causes static electricity.
How to Stabilize Humidity in Your Residence
Using a humidifier. While a portable humidifier can only make one room comfy at a time, a whole-house humidifier will spread that comfort throughout your house.
These are just a small number of humidifier benefits you’ll get when you put in a whole-home system.
Enhanced Health During Cold and Flu Season
It’s no surprise winter is the worst time for colds, flu and other illnesses. That’s since you’re more likely to end up sick when your nose and throat are dry. Under specific airflow conditions, air at the specific humidity level might also slow the spread of some viruses. Also, it can help with year-round allergy symptoms.
Relief from Dry Skin
If you have chronically dry skin or eczema, you know just how irritating those conditions can be during winter. Getting a whole-house humidifier will help your skin keep more moisture.
Better Sleep
Preserving your bedroom at the preferred temperature and humidity level will keep you more comfortable at night. It can also alleviate loud snoring, since your throat and nose will be better hydrated.
Guards the Wood in Your Home
Cabinets, flooring, furniture and just about anything in your house that’s wood suffers when humidity is too low. This is a result of the fact dry air moves moisture from the wood and causes it to split. Keeping your residence’s humidity at the correct level will keep your house’s furnishings looking their best.
Little Maintenance Required
Between steady filter changes and constant refilling, portable humidifiers expect a lot of upkeep. A whole-house humidifier only needs a tune-up about once a year, which can be completed in tandem with your furnace tune-up.
A steam humidifier has the smallest amount of maintenance since it doesn’t use a pad. It stores water in a canister and boils it into steam that gets transported through your ductwork. Since it’s independently powered, it can be in use when the furnace isn’t running.
Book Your Free Home Comfort Consultation Today
If your home’s air feels less than pleasant during colder weather, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help. Call us at 925-364-5427 to set up a free home comfort consultation. There’s no obligation, just free Expert advice on how you can maintain your residence’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.