Did you know that the average person goes through almost three times as much chapstick and lotion in the winter as opposed to the summer? While most people can’t wait to buy a dehumidifier in the summer, humidifier sales in the winter are much lower. The reason why? Most people don’t realize that too little humidity can be causing their discomfort and can really be impacting their health.
If you’re noticing any of these symptoms or occurrences, your house may have low humidity:
You’re getting shocked, literally: If you touch a doorknob or sweater and feel a static shock, odds are your home has low humidity. The shock itself is harmless to people and pets, but not your electronics. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can really damage your computers or other electronics, because it only takes a little bit of electricity to destroy your computer system.
You’re always thirsty: It’s totally normal to be thirsty after a workout or after you eat, but if you’re thirsty all day, for no apparent reason, it may be because of the humidity level. When there’s low levels of moisture, the air literally pulls water from the nearest source, and unfortunately – that’s usually you. If you’re consistently staying in an area with low humidity, it can lead to dry skin, dry mouth and dehydration.
You’re cold: If the thermostat is reading 70 degrees, but you’re still freezing, it might be because of the humidity level. When you’re dehydrated, you not only feel thirsty, but the lack of moisture in your body also leaves you feeling colder than usual, so before you turn up the thermostat, think about investing in a humidifier.
You’re getting nose bleeds: Dry air causes the moisture in the mucus membrane to evaporate and crack. When the crack gets bad enough, you’ve got yourself a nosebleed.
Your wooden furniture is damaged: Wood expands and contracts depending on the humidity, so if the legs of your furniture are buckling or cracking, it may be because the humidity levels are too extreme.
Now that you know the signs of low humidity, is there anything you can do to solve it? There are plenty of ways to add moisture to the air, whether you want something cheap and temporary or a little more permanent, we’ve got you covered.
Leave water out: Milk and cookies aren’t the only things you should be leaving out in December. Adding moisture can be as simple as putting a bowl of water in a room or near the radiator. This may not be the most permanent solution (as you’ll have to keep refilling the bowl) but it will do the trick.
Buy a portable humidifier: A great and inexpensive way to add moisture to a room is through a portable, electronic humidifier. Humidifiers use a light fan to circulate warm water into the air. The best time to use one is at night when temperatures outdoor hit their lowest.
Humidify the whole house: The best way to control humidity is by attaching a whole house humidifier to your furnace. While this may be the more expensive method, it’s also proven to be the most reliable and long lasting.
Whether you’re looking to perform maintenance on your current humidifier, or would like to explore your replacement or installation options, give Tyler Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration LLC a call. To learn more about our heating and air quality services dial (203) 378-4700.
