There’s a reason why air feels drier during cold weather 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 Ocala house. Turning on your gas furnace makes your house 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 exposed to getting sick.
Here’s why your gas furnace dries out your house’s air and what you can do to combat it.
Your Furnace’s Combustion Process is Part of the Issue
The fuel your furnace uses isn’t the source responsible for making your house’s air appear dry. Rather, it’s the combustion process.
There are two different types of gas furnaces, standard and high efficiency. With an older standard furnace, you can see light from the burners when it’s running. A newer, high-efficiency furnace is completely sealed.
A standard furnace, also called an atmosphere furnace, draws air from inside your home to function. Because the furnace constantly requires air to burn, it will also use cold, dry air from outdoors, which in turn reduces your residence’s humidity.
High-efficiency furnaces, also referred to as a sealed combustion furnace, are best for keeping your humidity steady. They take all their combustion air from outdoors, but it stays contained inside the sealed furnace. As an additional perk, they keep your house more comfy while needing less energy. Upgrading 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 seeps into your house during the winter. Lower humidity means the air will steal moisture fast from your skin, lips, nose and throat. It’s also to blame for static electricity.
How to Even Out Humidity in Your Home
Using a humidifier. While a portable humidifier can only make one room comfy at a time, a whole-house humidifier will generate that comfort across your house.
These are just a few humidifier benefits you’ll acquire when you put in a whole-home system.
Better Health During Cold and Flu Season
It’s common that cold weather is the worst time for colds, flu and other illnesses. That’s due to the fact you’re more susceptible to get sick when your nose and throat are dry. Under certain airflow conditions, air at the right humidity level might also slow the spread of some viruses. Additionally, it can help with year-round allergy symptoms.
Relief from Dry Skin
If you have consistent dry skin or eczema, you realize just how irritating those conditions are during winter. Getting a whole-house humidifier will help your skin retain more moisture.
Improved Sleep
Maintaining your bedroom at the ideal temperature and humidity level will keep you cozy at night. It can also alleviate loud snoring, since your throat and nose will be better hydrated.
Protects the Wood in Your House
Cabinets, flooring, furniture and just about anything in your residence that’s wood suffers when humidity is too low. This is a result of the fact dry air pulls moisture from the wood and causes it to split. Keeping your home’s humidity at the correct level will keep your residence’s furnishings looking their best.
Little Maintenance Required
Between steady filter changes and continual refilling, portable humidifiers expect a lot of upkeep. A whole-house humidifier only needs servicing about once a year, which can be completed at the same time as your furnace tune-up.
A steam humidifier has the least amount of maintenance since it doesn’t require a pad. It retains water in a canister and boils it into steam that gets moved through your ductwork. As it’s independently powered, it can work when the furnace is off.
Request Your Free Home Comfort Consultation Today
If your house’s air feels less than cozy during the winter, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help. Call us at 352-414-4006 to set up a free home comfort consultation. There’s no pressure, just free Expert suggestions on how you can keep your residence’s humidity at just the proper 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.