As winter arrives, homes often face the challenge of dry indoor air, leading to discomfort such as dry skin, irritated sinuses, and static electricity. While heating systems keep your home warm, they also strip moisture from the air, making it drier than usual. Luckily, your HVAC system can help you combat this dry winter air with a few adjustments and additions. Here’s how:
1. Install a Humidifier
One of the most effective ways to combat dry air is to add moisture back into the environment using a humidifier. Whole-home humidifiers can be integrated with your HVAC system to regulate humidity levels throughout the house. These units work by introducing water vapor into the warm air before it circulates, ensuring a consistent level of humidity.
• Why it’s effective: A whole-house humidifier keeps the indoor relative humidity between the recommended range of 30% to 50%, improving comfort and reducing the negative effects of dry air.
2. Monitor Humidity Levels
To ensure the air in your home isn’t too dry, use a hygrometer to measure the humidity levels. Maintaining a balanced humidity level will not only keep you comfortable but also protect wooden furniture, flooring, and even musical instruments, which can crack or warp in overly dry environments.
• Smart Thermostats: Some smart thermostats come equipped with humidity sensors, allowing you to monitor and adjust humidity levels directly through your HVAC system.
3. Use Ventilation and Air Circulation
While you may be tempted to seal off your home tightly during winter, doing so can trap dry, stale air inside. Proper ventilation is key to improving indoor air quality and balancing moisture levels. Make sure your home is well-ventilated, allowing fresh air to circulate periodically.
• Air Exchange Systems: Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) or Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) can help by bringing in fresh air from outside without losing heat, balancing humidity while maintaining energy efficiency.
4. Change Your HVAC Filters Regularly
Clean filters play an important role in keeping indoor air comfortable. Dirty or clogged filters can reduce airflow and make your system work harder, which can exacerbate dry air issues. Regularly replacing your HVAC filters ensures optimal performance and helps maintain air quality.
• Tip: Use pleated filters with a MERV rating between 8 and 13 to efficiently capture dust, allergens, and other airborne particles. Explore our pleated filter options for the right fit.
5. Seal Drafts and Insulate Properly
If your home is not well-insulated or has drafts, it can allow heated air to escape, forcing your HVAC system to overcompensate. This constant heating lowers the humidity even further. By sealing drafts around windows and doors and ensuring your home is well-insulated, you can help retain warm, moist air and reduce the effects of dryness.
6. Lower the Thermostat
Surprisingly, running your HVAC system at excessively high temperatures can dry out the air more quickly. Lowering your thermostat by just a few degrees can make a significant difference in preserving moisture. Plus, this will save energy and reduce your heating bill.
7. Use Portable Humidifiers
If you don’t have a whole-house humidifier, portable humidifiers are an easy and effective way to add moisture to the air in specific rooms. Place them in bedrooms or living areas to increase comfort levels where you spend the most time.
By combining these HVAC strategies with regular maintenance, you can effectively combat dry winter air and enjoy a more comfortable living environment. Visit RememberTheFilter.com to explore high-quality filters and HVAC accessories that help maintain optimal indoor air quality all winter long.
