Adults breathe around 23,000 times a day. Are you aware of the air you are breathing in? As we get through colder weather and into the start of spring, it’s an ideal chance to reevaluate your home’s indoor air quality. There are plenty of opportunities for cold weather and the cooler air means less moisture. While drier air may decrease your comfort levels, it can play a role in your health and your home.
Low Humidity Increases the Likelihood of Getting Sick
Ending up with a cold doesn’t typically happen simply because it’s colder outside. The possibility of getting a cold may grow 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 critical job of removing bacteria and debris and when they become dry they open up and boost your chance of ending up with an illness, such as the cold or flu.
Dry Air Impacts Your Skin
Your skin is your largest organ, take care of it. If you are feeling very itchy, lack of humidity might be the culprit. Before you head out to begin buying lotion in bulk, consider adding a whole-home humidifier as a more long-term alternative.
Damages to Your Home
If your air lacks moisture it will work to pull moisture from the items in your home. This might 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 a few ways to assess how much moisture is in your home, like:
- An increase in static electricity
- Cracks in the floors
- Breaks in trim and molding
- Wallpaper that is coming down
Any of these things could mean it’s wise to consider a humidifier and improve your indoor air quality.
We want to help be sure those 23,000 breaths you take every day are the best possible. Your health and home should be your greatest priority. Call us at 847-362-0262 and talk with one of our indoor air pros to help you strike the perfect solutions for achieving home comfort and the correct amount of moisture.