Why a Gas Furnace Dries Out Your Residences Air and How to Solve It

There’s a reason why air seems drier during colder months than when it’s hotter. That’s since warmer air carries more moisture, or humidity, than colder air.

The same is true within your the U.S. home. Starting your gas furnace makes your house feel warmer but can also dry out the indoor air. Dry air can carry a whole host of ailments, including dry skin, cracked lips and make you more susceptible to getting sick.

Here’s why your gas furnace dries out your residence’s air and what you can do to combat it.

Your Furnace’s Combustion Steps are a share the Issue

The fuel your furnace uses isn’t the culprit responsible for making your house’s air feel dry. Rather, it’s the way it combusts.

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

A standard furnace, also known as an atmosphere furnace, draws air from inside your home to function. Because the furnace continuously needs air to burn, it will also pull cold, dry air from outdoors, which in turn lowers your home’s humidity.

High-efficiency furnaces, also known as a sealed combustion furnace, are better at keeping your humidity even. They take all their combustion air from outside, but it stays contained within the sealed furnace. As an added bonus, they keep your house more comfy while needing less energy. Switching to an ENERGY STAR® furnace from an old furnace can save you as much as 40% on heating costs, according to Lennox®.

Besides combustion, cold air also naturally moves into your residence during the winter. Reduced 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 Balance Humidity in Your Home

Using a humidifier. While a portable humidifier can only make one room comfy at a time, a whole-house humidifier will transport that comfort across your home.

These are just a couple humidifier benefits you’ll receive when you put in a whole-home system.

Improved Health During Cold and Flu Season

It’s no surprise winter is the worst time for colds, flu and other ailments. That’s since you’re more susceptible to become sick when your nose and throat are dry. Under certain airflow conditions, air at the correct humidity level may also hamper the spread of some viruses. In addition, it can reduce year-round allergy symptoms.

Eases Dry Skin

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

Improved Sleep

Preserving your bedroom at the right temperature and humidity level will keep you comfortable at night. It can also decrease loud snoring, since your throat and nose will be better hydrated.

Protects the Wood in Your Home

Cabinets, flooring, furniture and just about anything in your home that’s wood is affected when humidity is too low. This is due to the fact dry air absorbs moisture from the wood and causes it to crack. Keeping your residence’s humidity at the right level will keep your residence’s furnishings looking their best.

Little Maintenance Needed

Between consistent filter changes and constant refilling, portable humidifiers expect a lot of upkeep. A whole-house humidifier only needs a tune-up about once a year, which can be done alongside your furnace tune-up.

A steam humidifier has the smallest amount of maintenance since it doesn’t require a pad. It retains water in a canister and boils it into steam that gets moved through your ductwork. Because it’s independently powered, it can be in use when the furnace isn’t on.

Schedule Your Free Home Comfort Consultation Right Away

If your house’s air feels less than comfy during cold weather, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help. Call us at 866-397-3787 to set up a free home comfort consultation. There’s no pressure, just free Expert recommendations on how you can maintain your house’s humidity at just the proper level. And, like our other services, our work is backed 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.