The air inside our homes might not be something we think about often, but it’s always there, shaping how we feel and live. During the winter months, when the heating is running nonstop, that air can quickly become dry, affecting our health, comfort, and even the condition of our home. Dry indoor air can lead to cracked skin, sore throats, and even sinus congestion — and that’s just the start.
So, how do you manage winter dry air and make your home feel like a haven again? Simple changes can lead to significant improvements. Let’s dig into how to cope with dry indoor air during winter.
Why Winter Dry Air Feels Worse
Does winter cause dry air? The answer is yes, but there’s more to it than that. The science behind it is simple: cold air holds less moisture than warm air. When the temperature drops, the air outside becomes dry. Then, as we heat our homes, that air loses even more moisture, creating a less humid indoor environment.
This dry air can wreak havoc on your skin, mucous membranes, and overall comfort. Common signs of low humidity during the winter season include:
- Chapped lips and dry skin
- Dry throats and irritated noses
- Increased static electricity in your home
- Sinus congestion and worsened asthma symptoms
How to Cope With Dry Indoor Air During Winter
Fortunately, there are several ways to combat dry air and increase humidity in your home. If you’re looking for practical solutions to add moisture and improve your indoor air quality, let’s review how to cope with dry indoor air during winter below:
Add Moisture With a Humidifier
One of the best ways to combat dry indoor air is to use a humidifier. A whole-house humidifier connects to your HVAC system, adding moisture to the air as it circulates through your home. This is an effective way to improve indoor air quality and keep your entire house comfortable.
If a whole-house humidifier isn’t an option, portable humidifiers can work well for individual rooms. Just remember to clean them regularly to prevent mold or bacteria buildup.
Boil Water or Take Hot Showers
If you’re looking for simple ways to add moisture to your home, boiling water on the stove or taking hot showers can help. As the water evaporates, it increases the humidity levels in the surrounding area.
For an extra boost, leave the bathroom door open while you shower to let the moist air spread to other parts of your home.
Use Plants to Increase Humidity
Houseplants do more than just brighten up your space — they can also help combat winter dry air. Plants release water vapor into the air through a process called transpiration. Some of the best plants to increase humidity include peace lilies, spider plants, and Boston ferns.
Seal Air Leaks
Air leaks around windows and doors can let cold, dry air sneak into your home, making it even harder to maintain comfortable humidity levels. Sealing these leaks with weatherstripping or caulk can help keep the warm, moist air inside where it belongs.
Adjust Your Heating System
Your central heating system plays a big role in drying out your indoor air. While you can’t turn it off during the winter, you can make adjustments to reduce its impact. Lowering the thermostat slightly and using a programmable thermostat to maintain consistent temperatures can help.
Incorporate Moist Air Into Your Routine
Adding small habits to your daily routine can make a big difference in battling dry winter air. For example:
- Place bowls of water near heat sources: As the water evaporates, it will add moisture to the air.
- Dry clothes indoors: Hang wet clothes on a drying rack instead of using the dryer. The evaporation process adds moisture to the room.
Stay Hydrated
While you can fix dry air inside your home, it’s also important to take care of your body. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and counteract the effects of low humidity. Applying a moisturizer regularly can help keep your skin from drying out, too.
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters
Indoor air quality isn’t just about comfort — it’s about your health and the overall condition of your home. By fixing dry air inside your home, you’re not just avoiding cracked skin or a sore throat; you’re also creating a healthier environment for your family. Investing in indoor air quality services or a whole-house humidifier can make a noticeable difference during the winter season.
Ready to Fix Dry Air in Your Home?
Dry indoor air doesn’t have to be a fact of life during winter. Learning how to cope with dry indoor air during winter is simple and can make your home feel more comfortable. Small adjustments, like using a humidifier, sealing air leaks, or staying hydrated, can make a considerable difference.
If you’re ready to take the next step, Arlinghaus can help. We offer comprehensive indoor air quality services to keep your home cozy and comfortable all winter long.
Contact us today to schedule your indoor air quality and heating services in Cincinnati, OH, Erlanger, KY, or one of our other service areas, and say goodbye to winter dry air for good!