Cure for Winter Dryness Indoors | |
The approach of colder weather may revive memories of cozy evenings with sweaters, hot chocolate and logs blazing in the hearth. But for many, the falling mercury also signals the return of dry skin, nosebleeds and nagging coughs. Cold weather is not the cause of these ills. Too-dry indoor air is. As soon as the thermostat wakens the furnace, your heating system starts warming-and drying-the air in your home. Before long, the air in your home can be tinder-dry with relative humidity as low as 10 percent. (Compare that to the 25 percent average relative humidity in the Sahara Desert.) When the air in your home is that parched, the air literally sucks moisture from your body. Your skin and the membranes in your nose and throat can develop microscopic cracks. These open cracks can lead to itching, dry coughs and nosebleeds, all of which increase your risk of infection from viruses or bacteria. Proper indoor humidity is important year-round. Honeywell, a leading provider of home comfort products and systems, recommends maintaining an indoor relative humidity of 35 to 50 percent. A growing number of homeowners have cured dry indoor air with a simple, effective solution: a whole-house humidifier. As a companion to your heating system, a whole-house humidifier circulates moistened air throughout the house. The most popular models from Honeywell need little attention or maintenance: no filling, no cleaning-just an annual replacement of the humidifier pad. Getting control of indoor humidity can help you stay healthier and more comfortable this winter. It also can help you save money. A home heated to 69 degrees at 35 percent relative humidity feels as warm as a home at 72 degrees and 19 percent relative humidity. With humidity control, you can lower the thermostat 3 degrees and cut your heating bills up to 5 percent or more without sacrificing comfort. Provided by NAPS. Reprinted with permission, HouseNet, Inc. |