Is Indoor Humidity a Concern in the Winter?

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Humidity isn’t just a summer problem. Humidity–or rather the lack of it–can also be a concern come wintertime, causing discomfort and driving down the energy efficiency of your HVAC system. In this post, Dependable Heating & Air Conditioning sheds more light on this matter.

How Does a Lack of Humidity Affect You in the Winter?

Honest HVAC repair companies will tell you that the lack of enough moisture in the air can instigate a host of health problems, such as dry, itchy skin and nose bleeds. This condition can also set the stage for cold and flu viruses to thrive.

The ideal level of indoor humidity in winter is anywhere between 45% and 55%. It can be difficult to determine the exact amount of moisture contained in the air inside your house, but one thing that’s a sure sign of inadequate humidity is dry skin.

What Does It Take to Keep Indoor Humidity in Check?

Reliable HVAC replacement contractors would agree that the use of a whole-house humidifier is the best way to increase the moisture content of the air throughout the house. Of course, it makes sense to do so only if there’s not enough indoor humidity in the first place. If you have too much humidity, installing a dehumidifier would be in order.

Moreover, it’s imperative to have a solid thermal enclosure system to prevent any unwanted dry air from the outside from negatively affecting your indoor climate. The roof should be the only part of your house that’s as cold as the outside air.

How Does Maintaining the Right Level of Humidity Translate to Energy Savings?

Any furnace and air conditioner replacement expert will tell you that insufficient humidity makes it difficult to feel warm in your home when it’s cold outside. As a result, your HVAC system will have to work harder to achieve the desired level of comfort.