As adults, the number of breathes we take is approximately 23,000 times a day. Are you aware of the air you are breathing in? As we get through colder weather and into the days of spring, it’s a perfect time to look in to your home’s indoor air quality. There are a lot of cool days on the horizon and the cooler air holds less moisture. Dry air isn’t just uncomfortable, it can effect your health and your home.
Low Humidity Increases the Odds of Getting Sick
Getting a cold doesn’t typically happen simply because it’s cold outside. The possibility of catching a cold may grow because cold air is less humid than warm air. Less humidity causes the mucus membranes in your sinus and nasal cavities to dry out. Those membranes are doing the essential job of filtering out bacteria and debris and when they dry out they open up and increase your chance of ending up with the flu or a cold.
Dry Air Affects Your Skin
Your skin is your largest organ, take care of it. If you are feeling extra itchy, lack of humidity could be the problem. Before you start buying lotion in bulk, contemplate adding a whole-home humidifier as a more long-term alternative.
Damages to Your Home
When the air in the home doesn’t have enough moisture it will try to pull moisture from the objects in your house. This may mean the wood in your home could experience damage and produce cracks in the walls and floors.
Checking for Dry Air
Aside from itchy skin and a perpetual cold there are a few ways to check on the moisture levels in your house, like:
- An increase in static electricity
- Cracks in your floors
- Slits in trim and molding
- Peeling wallpaper
Any of these problems could mean it’s smart to consider a humidifier and boost your indoor air quality.
Our team wants to be sure those 23,000 breaths you take all day long are as good as they can be. Your health and home are our greatest priority. You can contact us at 815-410-1128 and speak with one of our indoor air experts to help you find the ideal balance of humidity and comfort in your home.