6 Problems Caused by Dry Air — and How to Combat Them

With colder weather naturally comes less humidity, and that means many of us here in the El Cerrito area are putting up with drier air than usual. Dry air does much more than dry out your skin; it can also lead to a number of health issues and even undermine the safety of your home. If you want to promote greater health and safety at home, it’s important to do what you can to ensure proper indoor humidity levels. Here is a look at six common problems caused by dry air, along with what you can do to combat them.

Problem #1: Dry Skin Issues

This is the problem most people notice first. Dry air quickly dries out your skin, making it susceptible to itching, flaking, and cracking. It can also cause chapped lips, tightness around the joints, and flare-ups of existing skin conditions such as eczema or acne.

Problem #2: Nasal Problems

Many people are especially prone to nasal issues when temperatures drop. This is because dry air can cause the nasal passages to become dry and irritated, leading to discomfort while breathing, or even nosebleeds.

Problem #3: Increased Risk of Illness

Your nose, throat, and other parts of your upper respiratory system are lined with moist membranes which capture dust, viruses, and bacteria before they can reach your lungs. After prolonged exposure to dry air, these membranes lose moisture and become less effective at capturing germs and particles — making you more susceptible to illness.

Problem #4: Static Electricity

Did you know that the static electricity that shocks you when you touch a doorknob is caused by dry air? Static electricity is naturally dissipated when air is properly humidified, but dryness causes static electricity to build up.

Problem #5: Damage to Your Furnishings

Dry air has a tendency to absorb moisture wherever it can find it; so when your indoor air is especially dry, it starts to pull moisture from the things in your home, such as wood and paper items. You may notice wood furniture starting to bend or crack, musical instruments losing their shape, or books becoming brittle and warped.

Problem #6: Damage to Your Home

Your furnishings aren’t the only casualty here; even your home’s structure can become damaged when your indoor air is too dry. Walls and door jambs may shift over time, making doors hard to open and close. You may also notice gaps between your ceilings and walls, and in wooden window frames. This type of damage is not only unsightly but also lets cold winter air into your home, raising your heating bills.

How to Fight Dry Air at Home

All six of these problems have one thing in common: low humidity levels. If you want greater health and safety for you and your family, it’s important to make sure the air in your home contains a healthy amount of moisture. As HVAC and indoor air quality specialists, we can help you keep your indoor humidity levels in check. We’ll come to your home and assess your indoor air quality, and then offer tailored solutions such as ventilation and air filtration for better indoor air.

Tired of dry indoor air? Contact us or call 510-848-3030 to schedule an appointment!