Winter means dry indoor air. Forced-air heating systems can decrease the humidity level to 10 percent. If you notice dry, itchy skin, scratchy throat, dry nasal passages or cracked lips, you may want to consider purchasing a humidifier. Humidifying your home to provide the proper moisture levels (30-40%) will help alleviate these symptoms.
There are other benefits to increasing the humidity level in your home.
- Reduces static electricity. Static electricity is a direct result of dry air. In addition to causing the unpleasant “zaps” when you touch something or someone, it can damage computers and electrical equipment.
- Helps furniture and hardwood floors. Hardwood floors lose moisture and contract when the air is too dry. This can cause the floor to separate at the seams.
- Helps keep house plants healthy. They can get too dry when humidity is too low.
- Help keep wallpaper from drying out. Wallpaper may peel at the edges if the air in your home is too dry.