Cold air doesn’t retain as much moisture as sizzling air.
In my local area, with outside uneven temperatures down to twenty below zero, the air becomes especially dry.
Since the winter season weather lingers for more than six months, the lack of humidity is a giant concern. Inside the home, with the boiler running, the consequences of overly dry air include harm to furnishings, health risks & a greater workload for the boiler. Because dry air feels colder, it’s tempting to raise the temperature control setting. This doesn’t resolve the issue however simply forces the boiler to run more often & use more energy. Along with higher biweekly energy costs, there’s an increased chance of malfunction & expense repairs. Static shock is a sign of low humidity & can entirely harm low voltage electronics. Frizzy hair, chapped lips & static cling are usual complaints. The dry air tends to pull moisture out of everything it touches. Hardwood floors, doors, moldings & antiques can easily warp & split, but dried out mucous membranes in nasal passages elevate the risk of respiratory infection. Insufficient humidity can often be blamed for sneezing, coughing, sore throat, congestion, headaches, difficulty sleeping & miserable symptoms of asthma, pollen irritations, eczema & psoriasis. Portable humidifiers are a lot of work for undoubtedly little benefit. I’ve found that the best solution is a humidifier that is installed right into the boiler. The unit introduces moisture into the air as it passes through, benefiting the entire house. There are three unusual styles of whole-home humidifiers. I chose a steam-style unit because of the more natural process, quiet operation & ability to customize the amount of moisture.