Adults take approximately 23,000 breaths a day. Do you know if the quality of the air your family is breathing is decent? As spring approaches, it’s an ideal occasion to assess your home’s indoor air quality. We will still have cool days in the future and colder air holds a decreased amount of moisture. This dry air is not only uncomfortable, but it can take a toll on your health and your residence.
Low Humidity Ups Your Chances of Getting Sick
That you get a cold because it’s cold outside is an old wives’ tale… but there is some truth to it. As we mentioned, cold air is drier and dry air can cause you some health problems. The mucous membranes in your nose and sinuses dry out when humidity is low, so they’re not doing their function of filtering out germs. This increases the chances of your family getting a cold, the flu or another infection.
Dry Air Damages Your Skin
In the Erie winter, you may find your skin seems dry and itchy. Lack of humidity is the issue. Lotion can be a solution to treat the symptoms, but putting an investment towards a whole-home humidifier could solve the actual issue.
Damages to Your Home
The lower humidity in your home’s air can also damage the wood around your home—baseboards, floors, furniture—because the air will pull moisture from these items. You might even end up with cracks in the walls and floors.
Watching for Dry Air
While itchy skin and a perpetual cold are tips that your indoor air is too dry, there are some other symptoms to look for as well:
- An increase in static electricity
- Cracks in the flooring
- Spaces in the molding and trim
- Cracking wallpaper
Any of these problems suggest that it’s probably time to review your indoor air quality. We are here to offer our expertise! Call our indoor air professionals at Patterson & Stirling Inc.