From lower temperatures to chilly breezes, winter brings with it a host of challenges. One often overlooked issue during the winter months is low indoor humidity levels. While it may still feel humid outdoors, heating units can make your home especially dry during this time of the year. When the air in your home lacks moisture, it can have a significant impact on both your comfort and the well-being of your living space. We are going to explore the effects of low indoor humidity in winter on your home and provide some suggestions for how you can keep the humidity levels where they need to be.

What is the Ideal Indoor Humidity Level?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that you keep the humidity in your home between 30 and 50%. You need to reduce the humidity in your home if it is above 50%, but especially if it gets to 60% or higher and you should raise your humidity levels if they are too low. While our area doesn’t have as drastic of changes in humidity as other parts of the country, the changing of the seasons can impact your home’s indoor humidity levels.

Low Indoor Humidity in Winter and Its Effects on Your Home and Family

The average American is indoors 90% of the time, making keeping indoor air at optimal moisture levels very important for a number of health reasons. Dry air can not only impact the health of you and your family members, it can have effects on your home as well. We review some of the effects of indoor humidity in winter on your home below.

• Health Issues: As mentioned above, your home’s humidity levels and indoor air quality can play a major role on your family’s health. Low humidity levels can lead to a variety of health issues for you and your family. Dry air can cause irritation to the respiratory system, leading to dry throats, itchy eyes, and exacerbated allergies. Additionally, it can make your skin feel dry and flaky. For those with preexisting respiratory conditions like asthma, low humidity can worsen the symptoms.
• Damage to Your Home: Your home is not immune to the effects of low humidity. Wood, in particular, is sensitive to changes in humidity. When the air is dry, wooden furniture, flooring, and even structural components can shrink and crack. This can result in costly repairs down the line. Furthermore, low humidity can cause paint to chip and peel and lead to gaps in your home's caulking and seals.
• Increased Energy Bills: Many people don’t realize this, but low indoor humidity can make your home feel colder than it actually is. As a result, you might be tempted to turn up the thermostat to compensate, leading to higher energy bills. Proper humidity levels can help your home feel warmer at lower temperatures, saving you money in the long run.

Tips for Dealing with Low Indoor Humidity

When it comes to combating dry air in your home, we have reviewed some suggestions before; however, we have also provided a refresher below.

• Use a Humidifier: One of the most effective ways to combat low humidity in your home is by using a humidifier. There are various types available, from portable units to whole-house systems that integrate with your HVAC system. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, increasing indoor humidity levels and improving overall comfort.
• Only Use Your Heating System When Needed: When it comes to humidity within your home, the warmer the air is, the more water vapor it can hold. Cold air holds less water vapor. With that in mind, it may seem like when your furnace is on, there should be more humidity, but the fact is, since the furnace pulls in air from the outdoors, the colder outside air is what causes the indoor humidity to drop. Try to use your heater only when it is needed, to prevent the dryer air from coming indoors.
• Ensure Proper Ventilation: To combat dry air in your home, you should ensure your doors and windows are sealed properly and are not letting any air inside. Check for gaps and drafts and resolve them if you find them. While sealing air leaks is essential, it's also important to ensure your home is adequately ventilated. Proper ventilation can help remove excess moisture in the summer and maintain a healthy humidity level in the winter. Consider using exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom and opening windows periodically to let in fresh air.
• Maintain Your HVAC System: Regular maintenance of your HVAC system is crucial. A well maintained system will help distribute humidity evenly throughout your home. Change your air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow, and have your HVAC system serviced annually.

Dealing with low indoor humidity in winter is essential for maintaining a comfortable and healthy living environment. By addressing the effects of low humidity on your health and home, you can take proactive steps to combat this issue. Whether it's using a humidifier, sealing air leaks, or monitoring humidity levels, you can keep your home cozy and avoid the negative consequences of dry winter air.

At Bragg Cooling, Heating & Plumbing we know that when it comes to your comfort, you deserve the best solutions at the best value. All of our technicians and installers are Bragg employees dedicated to providing you with personalized solutions that meet your goals and budget. We are here for all of your Marin, Sonoma, and Napa County heating and cooling needs. We can also help you improve your home’s indoor air quality.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment.