There’s a reason why air feels drier during colder months than when it’s warmer. That’s due to the fact warmer air holds additional moisture, or humidity, than colder air.
The same is true within your Kitchener house. Starting your gas furnace makes your house feel warmer but can also dry out the indoor air. Dry air can transport a whole host of ailments, such as dry skin, cracked lips and make you more exposed to getting sick.
Here’s why your gas furnace dries out your residence’s air and what you can do to counter it.
Your Furnace’s Combustion Steps are a Portion of the Trouble
The fuel your furnace consumes isn’t the thing responsible for making your house’s air appear dry. Rather, it’s the combustion procedures.
There are two different types of gas furnaces, standard and high efficiency. With an older standard furnace, you can detect light from the burners when it’s on. A newer, high-efficiency furnace is totally sealed.
A standard furnace, also termed an atmosphere furnace, pulls air from inside your home to function. Because the furnace constantly relies on air to burn, it will also pull cold, dry air from outdoors, which in turn reduces your house’s humidity.
High-efficiency furnaces, also referred to as a sealed combustion furnace, are used for keeping your humidity even. They pull all their combustion air from your home’s exterior, but it stays contained inside the sealed furnace. As an added bonus, they keep your house more comfortable while using less energy. Moving to an ENERGY STAR® furnace from an old furnace can save you as much as 40% on heating costs, according to Lennox®.
Besides combustion, cold air also naturally drifts into your home during the winter. Reduced humidity means the air will rob moisture rapidly from your skin, lips, nose and throat. It also causes static electricity.
How to Balance Humidity in Your House
Using a humidifier. While a portable humidifier can only make one room pleasant at a time, a whole-house humidifier will transport that comfort throughout your home.
These are just a few humidifier benefits you’ll receive when you switch to a whole-home system.
Improved Health During Cold and Flu Season
It’s typical that winter is the worst time for colds, flu and other sicknesses. That’s due to the fact you’re more apt to end up sick when your nose and throat are dry. Under certain airflow conditions, air at the correct humidity level can also restrict the spread of some viruses. In addition, it can combat year-round allergy symptoms.
Relief from Dry Skin
If you have consistent dry skin or eczema, you recognize just how aggravating those conditions can be during winter. Getting a whole-house humidifier will help your skin hold onto more moisture.
Enhanced Sleep
Maintaining your bedroom at the right temperature and humidity level will keep you comfortable at night. It can also alleviate loud snoring, since your throat and nose will be better hydrated.
Guards the Wood in Your Home
Cabinets, flooring, furniture and basically anything in your house that’s wood suffers when humidity is too low. This is because of the fact dry air pulls moisture from the wood and causes it to split. Keeping your residence’s humidity at the right level will keep your home’s furnishings looking their best.
Little Maintenance Required
Between steady filter changes and continual refilling, portable humidifiers expect a lot of upkeep. A whole-house humidifier only needs servicing about once a year, which can be performed alongside your furnace tune-up.
A steam humidifier has the lowest amount of maintenance since it doesn’t require a pad. It holds water in a canister and boils it into steam that gets moved through your ductwork. Because it’s independently powered, it can run when the furnace is off.
Book Your Free Home Comfort Consultation Now
If your house’s air feels less than cozy during cold weather, Boehmers/Cronin Emery Home Services by Enercare can help. Call us at 519-804-1617 to request a free home comfort consultation. There’s no obligation, just free Expert advice on how you can balance your home’s humidity at just the correct level. And, like our other services, our work is backed by our well-known 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for one year.*
*Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program Agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions.