Besides the obvious, signs that it’s winter include dry air, crackling skin, worsening allergies, and too many static shocks. Amid the cold season, our heating systems are on full blast to protect ourselves from the winter chill, leaving us with what feels like 0% moisture in the air. Today, the pros at Farmer’s Air are going over six ways to defeat the dry winter air.
Add some greenery
Now may be the best time to see if you have a green thumb. Certain house plants increase the humidity levels and can also purify the air. Remember that lesson in biology on transpiration? If you need a refresher, it’s the movement of water, and it’s also through this process that allows plants to add moisture to the air. If you’re interested in this idea, we recommend checking out these plants:
Areca palm
Spider plant
Peace lily
Rubber fig
Snake plant
Seal the drafts
A key part of curing the dry air inside your home is to find the areas where cold air tries to enter in from the outside. The Department of Energy has provided extensive details on how to detect these leaks, which you can check out here. One of our favorite methods is to light a candle and hold it up to a window or door, and if you notice the smoke waver, then there’s a leak. Add weatherstripping to the windows and doors to cover up those gaps! Sealing these drafts also helps take the strain off your HVAC system, so it’s a win-win situation.
Cook on the stovetop
Rather than using your oven, which can dry out the air, cook more of your meals on the stovetop, which produces the opposite effect. Although the difference isn’t drastic, small changes like this add up to make your home more comfortable. When you boil water or simmer stew, you’re adding moisture into the air.
Shower with the door cracked open
Don’t try this unless you’re comfortable doing so or have enough privacy. Leave your bathroom door open the next time you shower. Steam from the hot water will travel throughout the area to help combat the dry conditions.
Air dry your clothes
Release moisture into the air by leaving your washed clothes on drying racks inside the house. The only downside is that it takes longer than a dryer, but you’ll save energy, and you’ll get the much-needed humidity. You can also do this with your dishes! At the end of the rinse cycle, pull out the rack, and let the clean dishes air dry.
Install a whole-house humidifier
The most effective way to combat the dry winter air is to install a whole-house humidifier. They help ensure your home’s air is always at the perfect humidity level, which is typically between 30% to 50%. Don’t crank it up too much, or you risk creating an environment ideal for an unwelcome tenant— mold. As long as you keep it clean and use the right levels, you should reap the full benefits, which include:
Decreased chances of respiratory problems. Humidifiers lower your likelihood of catching the flu, a cold, or an infection.
Increased levels of comfort. With one of these, you won’t have to worry about dry skin, bloody noses, scratchy throats, and allergies.
With a whole-house humidifier, your home will feel warmer, which means you can lower the thermostat and save more on heating costs.
Contact Dyess Air & Plumbing
Here at Dyess Air, we offer several options to improve your home’s air quality, including air purifiers, energy recovery ventilators, humidifiers, and more. Whether you’re interested in our humidifiers or you’re looking for a heater repair, our skilled technicians are ready to help you overcome your winter woes.
Call our Hilton Head air quality specialists today at (843) 242-0855!