Why a Gas Furnace Dries Out Your Homes Air and How to Fix It
There’s a reason why air seems drier during colder months than when it’s hotter. That’s because warmer air carries extra moisture, or humidity, than colder air.
The same is true for your the U.S. home. Starting your gas furnace makes your home feel warmer but can also dry out the indoor air. Dry air can bring a whole host of ailments, such as dry skin, cracked lips and make you more vulnerable to getting sick.
Here’s why your gas furnace dries out your house’s air and what you can do to combat it.
Your Furnace’s Combustion Procedures are a Portion of the Issue
The fuel your furnace uses isn’t the source responsible for making your home’s air appear dry. Rather, it’s the combustion process.
There are two different types of gas furnaces, standard and high efficiency. With an older standard furnace, you can see light from the burners when it’s heating. A newer, high-efficiency furnace is totally sealed.
A standard furnace, also termed an atmosphere furnace, takes air from inside your home to work. Because the furnace constantly relies on air to burn, it will also pull cold, dry air from outdoors, which in turn lowers your house’s humidity.
High-efficiency furnaces, also known as a sealed combustion furnace, are ideal for keeping your humidity steady. They pull all their combustion air from your home’s exterior, but it stays contained in the sealed furnace. As an additional perk, they keep your residence more warm while consuming less energy. Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR® furnace from an old furnace may save you as much as 40% on heating costs, according to Lennox®.
In addition to combustion, cold air also naturally moves into your home during colder weather. Lower humidity means the air will rob moisture quickly from your skin, lips, nose and throat. It also contributes to static electricity.
How to Balance Humidity in Your Residence
Using a humidifier. While a portable humidifier can only make one room pleasant at a time, a whole-house humidifier will spread that comfort across your house.
These are just a couple humidifier benefits you’ll receive when you install a whole-home system.
Improved Health During Cold and Flu Season
It’s no surprise cooler weather is the worst time for colds, flu and other ailments. That’s due to the fact you’re more likely to end up sick when your nose and throat are dry. Under particular airflow conditions, air at the specific humidity level may also resist the spread of some viruses. Additionally, it can weaken year-round allergy symptoms.
Relief from Dry Skin
If you have consistent dry skin or eczema, you understand just how uncomfortable those conditions make you during winter. Installing a whole-house humidifier will help your skin keep more moisture.
Better Sleep
Preserving your bedroom at the ideal temperature and humidity level will keep you comfortable at night. It can also decrease loud snoring, since your throat and nose will be better hydrated.
Defends the Wood in Your Home
Cabinets, flooring, furniture and just about anything in your home that’s wood is affected when humidity is too low. This is due to the fact dry air moves moisture from the wood and causes it to fracture. Having your residence’s humidity at the right level will keep your house’s furnishings looking their best.
Little Maintenance Needed
Between consistent filter changes and constant refilling, portable humidifiers rely on a lot of upkeep. A whole-house humidifier only needs maintenance about once a year, which can be completed alongside your furnace tune-up.
A steam humidifier has the least amount of maintenance since it doesn’t use a pad. It holds water in a canister and boils it into steam that gets transported through your ductwork. Since it’s independently powered, it can run when the furnace is off.
Request Your Free Home Comfort Consultation Right Away
If your home’s air feels less than cozy during cold weather, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help. Call us at 866-397-3787 to request a free home comfort consultation. There’s no pressure, just free Expert recommendations on how you can keep your home’s humidity at just the proper level. And, like our other services, our work is supported by our legendary 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for one year.*
*Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program Agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions.
