Cold air holds less moisture, making the air feel dry in winter. Generally, the humidity in your Hallsville, Texas, home should be between 40 and 60 percent. Anything less can be brutal to your health and comfort. Watch for visual signs, static current and health symptoms to know whether the air in your home is too dry.

Visual Signs

When you heat cold air in winter, its capacity to hold moisture increases. As a result, it starts to absorb moisture from walls, floors and furniture.

This causes wooden floors to creak and crack. Paint and wallpapers begin to peel, and doors and windows become more difficult to open. Wood furniture might bend, and musical instruments might go out of shape. Paper products such as books and paintings might become brittle and warped.

Static Current

Dry air can’t dissipate electricity, causing static electricity to build up. This is the reason behind those sparks and shocks when you touch something in winter. Clothes and blankets tend to stick together. You might also experience problems with some electronic devices.

Health Symptoms

Dry air pulls moisture from your body and affects your respiratory system. When your throat, nasal passages and lungs get dry, you start coughing and become vulnerable to cold, flu and infections. If your nose is too dry, you can get a nosebleed. Look for itchy skin and chapped lips among your family members. Those suffering from asthma and allergies are prone to having severe health issues, but it’s also common for people to suffer from sneezing, sinus congestion, and runny nose.

Adding an appropriate amount of moisture to the air helps you return comfort and hygiene to your home. Consider installing a humidifier. Use filtered water in it to prevent mineral buildup and microbial growth. Seal your home to prevent cold and dry outdoor air from seeping in.

If you need help dealing with dry air, don’t hesitate to consult the indoor air quality experts at JD’s A/C. Call (903) 759-7483 to learn more about proper humidification.

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