As the temperature drops, the indoor heat gets cranked up. While this keeps everyone comfortable, it also leads to dry, damaging air.
One of the main reasons we experience the dry air phenomena in the winter is that cool air has difficulty retaining moisture. Then, when the heat is turned on to combat the frigid temps, even more moisture is drawn out of the air, exacerbating problems.
A humidifier works by putting moisture back into the air. If you’re experiencing any of these signs it’s time to place a humidifier (or two) in your home.
Your Hardwood Floors Look Dry or Are Cracking
When your hardwood floors look or feel dry to the touch, dry winter air may be the culprit. Low humidity levels in the home can draw moisture from wood floors and furniture, causing shrinkage. You may notice large gaps between your floorboards, splintering or cracking, or low luster looking hardwoods.
Most of the time, you can remedy this problem by installing a humidifier. Once the proper humidity levels are restored, the wood will reabsorb the necessary amount of moisture and expand back to its normal state.
Paint is Chipping, and Wallpaper is Peeling
Low humidity may be to blame if paint is chipping or wallpaper is peeling from the walls. Extremely low humidity levels will draw moisture from the home, including paint. While a humidifier can prevent further damage, you’ll need to repair any falling wallpaper or crumbling paint jobs.
There’s an Increase in Dry Throat, Eyes, and Skin
One of the most telltale signs of low humidity is dried-out sinuses. You need to monitor humidity levels if your throat, eyes, or skin are excessively dry or itchy. Dry air can exacerbate allergy and asthma problems and make you more susceptible to wintertime viruses.
Static Electricity is Rampant
If every time you touch a metal door handle, you feel a zap, there’s likely not enough moisture in the air. Static electricity occurs when there’s a build-up of electrical charge that transfers from one object to another. When humidity levels are at an appropriate level, the moisture in the air helps prevent the transfer of static electricity, protecting you from shocks. There isn’t enough moisture to stop the transfer when humidity levels are low.
Your Electronics are Frazzled
If your computer or other electronics suddenly seem to stop working, you may have very low humidity in the house and need a hygrometer to monitor levels. Electronics frazzle in dry air due to the increase in static electricity. A large zap to a computer or other electronic component can fry it.
The Ideal Setting for Your Humidifier
If you’ve noticed any of these signs or simply want to be proactive to prevent low humidity, purchase a humidifier. These devices contain a water reservoir tank, which you fill as needed. They then emit moisture back into the air, restoring humidity levels.
Most humidifiers have a digital display on top, which will show you current humidity levels and allow you to set your target levels. The size of the humidifier you need depends on how dry your air is and how big of a space you need to humidify. If you have a large or two-story home, you may need multiple humidifiers to rectify your dry air issues.
Experts recommend keeping humidity levels at about 45% during the winter. Anything below 30% is too low, and above 60% is too high.
