How to Alleviate Dry Air in Your House Made by Your Gas Furnace

There’s a reason why air seems drier in the winter than in the summer. That’s because warmer air carries extra moisture, or humidity, than colder air.

The same is true inside your Rochester residence. Turning on your gas furnace makes your residence feel warmer but can also dry out the indoor air. Dry air can transport 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 counter it.

Your Furnace’s Combustion Process is a Portion of the Problem

The fuel your furnace consumes isn’t the thing responsible for making your residence’s air feel dry. Rather, it’s the way it combusts.

There are two different types of gas furnaces, standard and high efficiency. With an older standard furnace, you can detect light from the burners when it’s on. A newer, high-efficiency furnace is entirely sealed.

A standard furnace, also called an atmosphere furnace, draws air from inside your house to function. Because the furnace consistently needs air to burn, it will also draw in cold, dry air from outdoors, which in turn reduces your house’s humidity.

High-efficiency furnaces, also known as a sealed combustion furnace, are best for keeping your humidity even. They draw all their combustion air from your home’s exterior, but it stays locked within the sealed furnace. As an added advantage, they keep your house more comfy while requiring less energy. Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR® furnace from an old furnace could save you as much as 40% on heating costs, according to Lennox®.

Other than combustion, cold air also naturally flows into your house during colder weather. Lower humidity means the air will steal moisture fast from your skin, lips, nose and throat. It’s also to blame for static electricity.

How to Even Out Humidity in Your House

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 home.

These are just a small number of humidifier benefits you’ll get when you switch to a whole-home system.

Improved Health During Cold and Flu Season

It’s common that winter is the worst time for colds, flu and other sicknesses. That’s due to the fact you’re more susceptible to get sick when your nose and throat are dry. Under certain airflow conditions, air at the correct humidity level can also resist the spread of some viruses. Additionally, it can weaken year-round allergy symptoms.

Soothes Dry Skin

If you have constantly dry skin or eczema, you know just how aggravating those conditions are during winter. Adding a whole-house humidifier will help your skin keep more moisture.

Enhanced Sleep

Keeping your bedroom at the preferred temperature and humidity level will keep you cozy at night. It can also alleviate loud snoring, since your throat and nose will be better hydrated.

Guards the Wood in Your Home

Cabinets, flooring, furniture and generally anything in your house that’s wood doesn’t like it when humidity is too low. This is because of the fact dry air moves moisture from the wood and causes it to crack. Keeping your home’s humidity at the proper level will keep your residence’s furnishings looking their best.

Little Maintenance Necessary

Between regular 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 done along with your furnace tune-up.

A steam humidifier has the smallest amount of maintenance since it doesn’t need a pad. It stores water in a canister and boils it into steam that gets distributed through your ductwork. Since it’s independently powered, it can be in use when the furnace isn’t running.

Request Your Free Home Comfort Consultation Today

If your residence’s air feels less than pleasant during the winter, Strogen's Service Experts can help. Call us at 603-923-4570 to arrange a free home comfort consultation. There’s no obligation, just free Expert suggestions on how you can maintain your residence’s humidity at just the proper level. And, like our other services, our work is protected by our famous 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.