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Whether it’s lower temperatures, beautiful sunrises & sunsets, or more active wildlife on the Island, there’s plenty to look forward to this winter. With all this beauty, why do most of us tend to be homebodies through the season? Well, with cooler temperatures comes dry air, which can lead to several concerns. No one wants to spend the winter worrying about sore throats, itchy skin, and frequent nosebleeds.
While staying at home may help, it is hard to avoid breathing dry air. Indoor heating tends to dry the air out even more. Thankfully, there are simple steps you can take to stay healthy and comfortable until the dry season is over. Check out these helpful tips below!
Invest in a Humidifier
One of the simplest and most effective ways to combat dry air is with a humidifier. Whole-home humidifiers attach directly to your furnace, keeping a comfortable humidity level in your home. They can also help lower your home energy costs, as your furnace won’t have to work as hard to heat your home with the proper humidity level. Adding one to your home is an investment that will pay for itself after a dry winter.
Consider a Smart Thermostat
After investing in a humidifier, consider utilizing a smart thermostat in your home. Most have humidity sensors that maintain your preferred humidity level, giving you total control over the air you breathe at home. You can monitor all of this from any location using your phone, so it is a no-brainer!
Check for Air Leaks and Seal Them
Even the smallest crack or gap in your home can jeopardize the humidity levels you have worked so hard to maintain. Not only will dry air be coming from outside, but your furnace will be running more, which means dry air will only circulate throughout your home. Check your doors, windows, and attic for any leaks. Seal them with caulk and weatherstrip to improve the air you breathe indoors.
Add Indoor Plants
Not only do houseplants add color to your home to boost your mood, but you can also increase humidity levels with them! They release moisture to help combat the issues you face from dry air. Keep in mind this should be one of your last steps to improving air quality in your home. Most houseplants will require your humidity levels to be around 40-60 percent to thrive.
Be Mindful of Showers
Most of us look forward to long, hot showers when the weather gets cooler, but they are two things you should avoid in the winter. The hotter the water, the more your skin will dry out. The more time you take, the more it could irritate your skin. Shoot for a lukewarm shower that is less than 15 minutes.
Stay Hydrated
One of the most common misconceptions is that you don’t need to drink as much water in the winter. It is quite the opposite! Studies have shown dehydration is more common in the cooler months, as the dry air pulls moisture from your body. You may not feel as thirsty in the winter seasons, but your body needs to stay hydrated. Even if you don’t notice the amount of water you lose, it’s crucial to keep drinking water.
Always Moisturize
With the moisture your skin loses in the winter, it’s crucial to keep it hydrated. An oil-based moisturizer will do wonders for your skincare routine! Before heading outside, apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to keep it healthy. Also, keep a non-irritating lip balm or jelly on deck to prevent chapped lips.
For more tips on staying comfortable year-round, check out our blog. At Dyess Air & Plumbing, we’re committed to treating our customers like family!