Cold air doesn’t retain as much moisture as warm air.
In my local area, with outside rapidly changing 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 big concern. Inside the home, with the boiler running, the consequences of overly dry air include detriment to furnishings, health risks plus a greater workload for the heater. Because dry air feels colder, it’s tempting to raise the thermostat setting. This doesn’t resolve the issue but simply forces the boiler to run more often plus use more energy. Along with higher bi-weekly energy bills, there’s an increased option of malfunction plus expense repairs. Static shock is a sign of low humidity plus can actually detriment low voltage electronics. Frizzy hair, chapped lips plus static cling are common complaints. The dry air tends to pull moisture out of everything it touches. Hardwood floors, doors, moldings plus antiques can actually warp plus split, and 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 plus angry symptoms of asthma, pollen irritations, eczema plus psoriasis. Portable humidifiers are a lot of labor for certainly little benefit. I’ve found that the best solution is a humidifier that is installed right into the heater. The unit introduces moisture into the air as it passes through, benefiting the entire house. There are three peculiar styles of whole-apartment humidifiers. I chose a steam-style unit because of the more natural process, quiet operation plus ability to customize the amount of moisture.