Adults take around 23,000 breaths each day. Can you tell if the quality of the air you’re breathing is good? As spring approaches, it’s an ideal occasion to assess your home’s indoor air quality. We have plenty cool days in the future and colder air retains less moisture. This dry air is not only uncomfortable, but it can take a toll on your health and your residence.
Low Humidity Increases Your Chances of Getting Sick
That you get a cold because of the colder weather outside is an old wives’ tale… but there is some truth to it. As we said, cold air is drier and dry air can produce some health problems. The mucous membranes in your nose and sinuses dry out when humidity is lower, so they are unable to do their task of sifting out germs. This increases the chances of coming down with a cold, the flu or another infection.
Dry Air Hurts Your Skin
In the Rapid City winter, you could notice your skin seems dry and itchy. Lack of humidity is the problem. Lotion can help you treat the symptoms, but an investment in a whole-home humidifier could provide a remedy the actual problem.
Damages to Your Home
The lower amounts of moisture in your home’s air can also affect the wood around your home—baseboards, floors, furniture—because the air pulls 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 never-ending cold are signs that your indoor air is lacking moisture, there are additional symptoms to look for as well:
- A rise in in static electricity
- Cracks in your flooring
- Gaps in your trim and molding
- Peeling wallpaper
All of these concerns indicate that it’s probably time to review your indoor air quality. We are here to help! Call our indoor air professionals at Street Heating and Cooling.