Recently, our service manager Don appeared on WSBT’s Hometown Living to discuss the importance of whole home humidifiers.
As temperatures drop in South Bend, Granger, Mishawaka and surrounding areas, many homeowners focus on keeping their homes warm, but few realize how dry winter air can impact comfort, health, and even their heating system. Low humidity is a common yet overlooked problem that can lead to everything from health issues to common furnace problems. Installing a humidifier is one of the best ways to maintain balanced indoor air and protect both your home and HVAC system.
In this blog, we’ll cover why humidity matters, the common issues with gas furnaces caused by dry air, and the benefits of a whole home humidifier.
What Happens When Humidity is Too Low?
During winter, cold air holds less moisture, and when your furnace heats that air, it becomes even drier. Ideally, indoor humidity should be around 45%. When levels drop below this range, your home and health can suffer.
Common Problems Caused by Low Humidity
1. Increased Health Issues
Dry air can cause respiratory issues, sore throats, and sinus irritation. It can also worsen conditions like asthma and allergies. Without proper moisture, your nasal passages dry out, making it easier for viruses and bacteria to spread.
2. Dry, Itchy Skin
Low humidity pulls moisture from your skin, leading to dryness, itchiness, and even cracking. It can also cause chapped lips and worsen eczema.
3. Damage to Wood Furniture and Flooring
Wood expands and contracts with changes in humidity. When the air is too dry, it pulls moisture from wood furniture, floors, and even musical instruments, causing cracks, warping, and other permanent damage.
4. Increased Static Electricity
If you’ve noticed more static shocks in the winter, low humidity is to blame. Dry air creates an imbalance in electrical charges, leading to those annoying zaps every time you touch a doorknob or pet your dog.
5. Higher Energy Bills
Dry air feels colder than properly humidified air, which can make you turn up the thermostat. This leads to increased energy use and higher heating costs. A humidifier can help you feel warmer at lower temperatures, reducing the strain on your furnace.
How Low Humidity Affects Your Furnace
Aside from personal discomfort, dry air can contribute to certain common furnace problems, especially with gas furnaces. Here’s how:
1. Increased Wear and Tear on Components
Low humidity can make dust and debris more airborne, which can clog your furnace filter faster. When airflow is restricted, your furnace has to work harder, increasing strain on internal components and potentially shortening its lifespan.
2. More Frequent Furnace Cycling
When humidity is too low, the air feels colder than it actually is. This often leads homeowners to turn up the thermostat, making the furnace run more frequently. Excessive cycling can put unnecessary stress on the system, increasing wear on key components like the blower motor and ignitor, which can lead to more frequent repairs.
3. Comfort Issues Leading to Higher Energy Use
Dry air makes it harder for your home to retain heat. This means your furnace has to run longer to maintain the same level of comfort, resulting in higher energy bills throughout the winter.
Why a Whole Home Humidifier is the Best Solution
Portable humidifiers may provide temporary relief, but they only work in small areas and require constant refilling. A whole home humidifier integrates with your HVAC system to maintain balanced humidity throughout your entire home.
Benefits of a Whole Home Humidifier
✅ Improved Comfort: Proper humidity levels make your home feel warmer, allowing you to set your thermostat lower and save energy.
✅ Healthier Air: A humidifier reduces airborne viruses, allergens, and respiratory irritation.
✅ Protects Your Home: No more cracked wood floors, furniture, or musical instruments due to dry air.
✅ Increases Furnace Efficiency: Proper humidity reduces strain on your heating system, helping it run more efficiently and last longer.
✅ Low Maintenance: Unlike portable units, a whole home humidifier connects to your water supply, meaning no refilling and minimal upkeep.
Get a Whole Home Humidifier Installed by Goff Heating and Air Conditioning
If you’re experiencing dry air this winter, don’t wait until it leads to bigger problems. Our team at Goff Heating and Air Conditioning can install a whole home humidifier to keep your air comfortable and protect your HVAC system from common furnace problems.
Schedule your appointment today and breathe easier all winter long!
Call us at 574-289-6511 or visit www.goffheating.com to learn more.
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