As the outside temperature begins to drop during the winter season, it seems inevitable that you will start experiencing dehydrated skin and excessive static electricity in your home.

How to Combat Dry Winter Air in the Southwest

As the outside temperature begins to drop during the winter season, it seems inevitable that you will start experiencing dehydrated skin and excessive static electricity in your home.

But are there ways to combat these problems? Do humidifiers help combat dry winter air? Yes! A lack of moisture in the air can be pretty uncomfortable, so here are some quick tips to help you fight dry air in your home, specifically tailored to the unique climate of the Southwest United States.

Why is Air Dry During the Winter Season?

Before we discuss how to combat dry winter air, do you ever wonder why it’s dry in the first place? Cold winter air is usually dry because it holds less moisture than warm air. Since the humidity during the winter season is low, the remaining moisture lingering around is usually sucked up into the air, leading to dry air. The naturally arid climate in the Southwest exacerbates this dryness, making it essential to take additional steps to maintain indoor humidity.

Effects of Dry Air

When the air is too dry, this can cause problems for your health, wellness, and home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that you keep your home’s humidity between 30-50%. When the humidity levels are lower than this, it can cause many issues, such as:

  • Static electricity
  • Cold and flu infections
  • Asthma and allergies
  • Chapped lips and dry skin
  • Peeling wallpaper
  • Cracks in wood flooring

In the Southwest, where the air is already dry year-round, these issues can become more pronounced during winter.

Tip #1: Reduce Air Entering or Leaving Your Home

A well-sealed home is better than a “leaky” home. The amount of dry air in your home traces back to how much air sneaks into it. Preventing air from entering your home can help maintain moisture in the air and combat dry winter air. To successfully prevent this from happening, look for cracks around doors and windows and make sure they are sealed shut. In addition, don’t forget to check electrical boxes for recessed lights or outlets, as these can let dry air into your home.

For homes in the Southwest, consider investing in weatherstripping and caulking to seal gaps and cracks effectively. This helps retain humidity and improves energy efficiency by keeping heated air inside during the colder months.

Tip #2: Invest in a Humidifier

One of the most effective ways of adding moisture to your home is through a humidifier. A humidifier emits water vapor or steam to increase the moisture levels in the air. There are primarily two types of humidifiers: warm and cool mist. A warm mist humidifier uses an internal heating component that boils water before releasing vapor/steam into your room as an invisible, calming mist. Meanwhile, a cool mist humidifier adds moisture to the air while lowering the temperature a few degrees for comfort purposes. In general, both types of humidifiers essentially function the same way and aim to maintain a healthy humidity level in your home.

In addition to warm and cool mist humidifiers, two other types of humidifiers are available:

  1. Portable Humidifier: These humidifiers are more affordable and convenient as you can move them from room to room, depending on your needs.
  2. Central Duct-Mounted Humidifiers: These are more expensive, but they evenly distribute moisture throughout your home.

A portable humidifier might be a more practical and economical choice in the Southwest, where heating systems are less frequently used compared to colder regions. However, a duct-mounted humidifier can provide consistent humidity control throughout the house for larger homes or those with existing central HVAC systems.

A humidifier requires constant care and proper usage under the right conditions. Ensure care by setting it with the appropriate moisture settings for the current condition and cleaning the appliance by changing the water regularly. Depending on the size, some appliances will require more maintenance than others.

Tip #3: Try Other Forms of Humidification

There are other ways to add moisture to your home without the need for a humidifier. Additional options include:

  • Cooking: Avoid using your stovetop more often and cooking meals that require boiling water. When this happens, the vapor from the water can add humidity back into the air. Soups, stews, and pasta dishes are great options.
  • Laundry: When doing laundry, consider air-drying your clothes instead of using a dryer. The moisture from the wet clothes will evaporate into the air, increasing humidity levels.
  • Dishwasher: When using the dishwasher, let the dishes air dry with the door open instead of keeping it closed. This allows the steam to escape into the house.
  • Showering: After a hot shower, open the bathroom door to let the steam escape your house. This can help humidify nearby rooms.
  • Houseplants: Incorporate houseplants into your home as they release moisture from their leaves through a process called transpiration. Plants like peace lilies, ferns, and spider plants are excellent choices for adding humidity.

These methods can be particularly effective in the Southwest due to the low ambient humidity. Combining several of these strategies can help maintain a comfortable humidity level in your home.

Additional Tips for the Southwest

Hydrate Yourself

In dry climates, it’s crucial to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help your body cope with the dry air. This is especially important in the winter when indoor heating can further dry the air.

Use Natural Materials

Natural materials like wood and cotton can help maintain humidity levels. Wood furniture and cotton fabrics can absorb and release moisture, helping to stabilize indoor humidity levels. Avoid synthetic materials, which can contribute to dryness and static electricity.

Ventilation

Proper ventilation is key to maintaining air quality. While keeping your home sealed to retain humidity is important, you must also ensure adequate ventilation to prevent mold growth and indoor air pollution. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and consider installing an air exchange system if your home is tightly sealed.

Conclusion

Combating dry winter air in the Southwest requires a combination of strategies tailored to the region’s unique climate. You can create a comfortable and healthy indoor environment by sealing your home, using humidifiers, incorporating other humidification methods, and maintaining proper ventilation. With these tips, you can effectively manage indoor humidity levels, protecting your health and home from the adverse effects of dry winter air.

The ACCA contractor locator tool is an excellent resource for professional advice or installation assistance. Qualified HVAC contractors in your area can offer expert guidance and services to ensure your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.

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