Why a Gas Furnace Dries Out Your Homes Air and What to Do About It

There’s a reason why air seems drier in the winter than when it’s hotter. That’s due to the fact warmer air carries extra moisture, or humidity, than colder air. 

The same is true inside 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 bring a whole host of ailments, like dry skin, cracked lips and make you more vulnerable to getting sick. 

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

Your Furnace’s Combustion Steps are a Portion of the Trouble 

The fuel your furnace consumes isn’t the source responsible for making your residence’s air seem dry. Rather, it’s the combustion process. 

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

A standard furnace, also known as an atmosphere furnace, pulls air from inside your home to work. Because the furnace consistently uses air to burn, it will also draw in cold, dry air from outdoors, which in turn reduces your home’s humidity. 

High-efficiency furnaces, also known as a sealed combustion furnace, are better at keeping your humidity steady. They take all their combustion air from your home’s exterior, but it stays trapped within the sealed furnace. As an additional bonus, they keep your house more comfy while consuming less energy. Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR® furnace from an old furnace can save you as much as 40% on heating costs, according to Lennox®. 

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

How to Even Out Humidity in Your Residence 

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

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

Improved Health During Cold and Flu Season 

It’s common that cold weather is the worst time for colds, flu and other illnesses. That’s due to the fact you’re more likely to end up sick when your nose and throat are dry. Under specific airflow conditions, air at the specific humidity level can also resist the spread of some viruses. In addition, it can combat year-round allergy symptoms. 

Eases Dry Skin 

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

Enhanced Sleep 

Maintaining 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. 

Defends the Wood in Your House 

Cabinets, flooring, furniture and generally anything in your residence that’s wood is affected when humidity is too low. This is because of the fact dry air draws moisture from the wood and causes it to split. Balancing your house’s humidity at the right level will keep your home’s furnishings looking their best. 

Little Maintenance Required 

Between frequent filter changes and continuous refilling, portable humidifiers require a lot of upkeep. A whole-house humidifier only needs servicing about once a year, which can be done in tandem 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 run when the furnace isn’t running. 

Request Your Free Home Comfort Consultation Today 

If your residence’s air feels less than comfy during colder 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 obligation, just free Expert advice on how you can keep your residence’s humidity at just the right 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.