Runny nose? Getting zapped with static? If so, the air inside your home is probably too dry. If these signs of low humidity are familiar to you, Allied can help assess and mitigate humidity issues. In this blog, our indoor air quality experts will explain the common root causes of dry air inside your home.
Common Causes of Dry Indoor Air
1. Cold, Dry Outdoor Air
If it’s cold and dry outside, the air inside your home is likely even drier. During winter, heating systems warm the air but don’t add moisture, which can lead to uncomfortably low humidity levels.
Since about 60% of the human body is water, dry air can cause dehydration, leading to chapped lips, dry skin, irritated throats, and runny noses. It can also dry out the mucus membranes in your lungs, increasing the risk of asthma attacks and respiratory infections.
Studies show that viruses thrive in dry air, meaning flu and colds can spread more easily in low-humidity environments.
2. Forced Air Heating Systems
Furnaces and other heating systems play a significant role in indoor dryness. Forced air systems, in particular, heat the air but lower relative humidity in the process. If your home relies on central heating or space heaters, you may experience drier air during colder months.
3. Poor Ventilation and Overuse of Exhaust Fans
Lack of proper ventilation can cause humidity imbalances. Fireplaces, overusing bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans can strip too much moisture from the air, leading to increased dryness.
4. Air Conditioning
While most people associate dry air with winter, air conditioners can also contribute to low humidity. AC units work by cooling the air and removing excess moisture, but overuse can lead to an uncomfortably dry indoor environment, especially in warmer months.
5. Leaky Windows or Poor Insulation
If your home has drafty windows or inadequate insulation, dry outdoor air can seep in, making humidity levels drop even further. Older homes, in particular, may struggle to retain moisture, leading to persistent dryness.
6. Overuse of a Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers are great for controlling excess moisture, but if used excessively, they can strip too much humidity from the air. Running a dehumidifier in winter or in a naturally dry climate can contribute to discomfort.
7. Lack of Indoor Plants
Indoor plants naturally release moisture into the air through transpiration. A lack of greenery can contribute to a drier home environment. If you struggle with dry air, adding a few houseplants—such as peace lilies, ferns, or spider plants—can help regulate humidity.
8. Home Materials and Furnishings
Your home’s flooring and furniture can impact humidity levels. Hardwood floors, tile, and leather furniture don’t retain moisture as well as carpets and fabric upholstery. In very dry conditions, wood furniture and flooring may crack, while excessive humidity can cause warping and buckling.
Finding the Right Balance
While dry air can cause discomfort and even damage to your home, too much humidity isn’t ideal either. If your windows are fogging up, your indoor humidity might be too high. The ideal relative humidity (RH) level for most homes is between 30% and 50%. In winter, additional moisture may be needed through humidification, while in summer, dehumidification helps keep things comfortable.
How Allied Can Help
If the air in your house is too dry, Allied’s experts can assess your home’s humidity levels and recommend the right solutions. Next time you schedule a furnace or A/C service, ask your Allied technician about your humidification and dehumidification options to keep your home comfortable year-round.
