As the temperatures begin to drop and furnaces start running again, homeowners often notice another seasonal change inside their homes: the air suddenly feels much drier.
That is because cold outdoor air naturally holds less moisture. Once that air enters the home and is heated, the relative humidity indoors can drop significantly. By the middle of winter, many homes can become surprisingly dry.
And while dry winter air may seem like little more than an inconvenience, maintaining appropriate humidity can have a noticeable impact on both comfort and the home itself.
Why Humidity Matters
For many homes, an indoor relative humidity level somewhere around 30–50% is considered a comfortable range. During very cold weather, however, humidity may need to be kept toward the lower end of that range to help prevent condensation from forming on windows and other cold surfaces.
When indoor air becomes too dry, homeowners may notice:
- Dry skin, lips and nasal passages
- More static electricity
- Scratchy throats or irritated eyes
- Hardwood floors or trim beginning to shrink or separate
- Wood furniture or musical instruments becoming excessively dry
- A home that simply feels colder, even when the thermostat is set at a comfortable temperature
Humidity affects how we perceive temperature, which is one reason properly humidified air can feel more comfortable during heating season.
Portable vs. Whole-Home Humidifiers
Small portable humidifiers can be helpful for a bedroom or individual space, but maintaining humidity throughout an entire house is a different challenge.
A whole-home humidifier works with the home’s heating system to introduce moisture into the air as needed. Because it is connected to the HVAC system, it can help maintain a more consistent humidity level throughout the house without requiring homeowners to continually refill individual units.
Like any piece of HVAC equipment, however, a humidifier needs regular care. Water panels or pads generally need periodic replacement, drains should remain clear, and the system should be inspected to make sure it is operating properly before winter.
Too much humidity isn’t ideal either. Excess moisture can contribute to window condensation and may encourage mold or mildew growth, so the goal is always balanced humidity — not simply adding as much moisture as possible.
A Good Time to Prepare Your Furnace, Too
Early fall is also an ideal time to give the heating system some attention before the first truly cold day arrives.
A few simple steps can help prepare your home for the season:
Replace or inspect the furnace filter. A dirty filter restricts airflow and can make the system work harder.
Clear the area around the furnace. Avoid storing boxes, cleaning products or other items against heating equipment.
Check supply and return vents. Make sure furniture, rugs and curtains aren’t blocking airflow.
Test the thermostat. Turn the heat on before you actually need it and make sure the system starts and operates normally.
Check carbon monoxide detectors. Fall is a good time to replace batteries and verify that detectors are working properly.
Schedule routine furnace maintenance. Preventive maintenance can identify worn components, airflow problems and other concerns before the heating season is in full swing.
And if your home has a whole-house humidifier, this is the perfect time to have that checked as well.
Pay Attention to What Your Home Is Telling You
Every house is a little different. The ideal humidity level can depend on outdoor temperatures, the home’s construction, windows, insulation and even how many people live there.
As we settle into another Northeast Ohio heating season, most of us naturally think about keeping the house warm. But temperature is only one part of indoor comfort.
A little attention to humidity, airflow and heating-system maintenance can make the months ahead noticeably more comfortable — and help your home transition into winter, too.
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