What causes dry air in a house?

In the winter, dry air inside your house primarily is caused by a combination of outdoor conditions and indoor heating habits.

Here are three core items that can cause the air to be dry in a Home

Outdoor Climate. Here in NJ we have this pesky thing called winter. With cold weather comes a slew of issues that affect the indoor air quality of a home, and the colder the winter air, the less moisture it holds. To make matters worse, when that cold air enters your home and becomes heated, its relative humidity drops even further.

Heating Systems. Most popular furnace types in NJ, even when they are operating at peak
efficiency can contribute to dry air in your home. Gas/forced-air furnaces burn and circulate dry air, lowering the humidity in a home. Electric heat also dries the air by warming it without adding moisture.

Conditions within the home. There are a couple of main conditions within a home that can cause dry air. Drafts and leaks (around windows, doors, ducts) continuously allow dry outdoor air to enter a home. No added moisture source (humidifier, plants, water evaporation) within the house means nothing balances out the dryness. Over-insulation without introducing a humidity source can also trap dry air indoors. The exhaust fans we rely on to remove particulates in our kitchens and bathrooms also remove moist air without replacing it.

What happens when air is too dry in a house?

Dry air in a home (below about 30% relative humidity), doesn’t just affect the people
living in the home, it can affect the home itself.

The effects of dry air in the home on people can range from annoying to severe.

Dry air cases other dryness, such as, dry skin and lips as well as Itchy, cracked, or flaky skin, which can circulate throughout the home, lowering indoor air quality.

Other physical issues become common such as allergies, dry sinuses, sore throat, as well as nosebleeds. If you suffer from allergies and/or asthma, dry air can worsen your symptoms by making mucus membranes less effective at trapping germs, pollen and dust. Sleeping may become a problem, dry air tends to cause or enhance snoring, coughing and nighttime dry mouth.

Static electricity, fun when you’re a kid, annoying as an adult. Dry air in the home is an ingredient for static electricity, causing light shocks when touching doorknobs, electronics, and even people.

The effects of dry air on NJ homes are nothing to ignore.

Most concerning for New Jersey’s homes, frame damage, damage to hardwood floors. wood furniture, and cabinets, all can warp and crack, causing costly repairs.

Dry air can cause peeling or bubbling of paint and wallpaper.

Electronics are at risk from static buildup that can damage sensitive components.

Even musical instruments, your piano, guitar, violin, etc., can become out of tune or even crack.

What is the ideal indoor humidity in New Jersey?

30–50% is considered healthy and safe.
Below 30% = too dry.
Above 55% = too humid (risk of mold, condensation, dust mites).

With a gas furnace in New Jersey, winter air tends to drop well below that 30% mark indoors, which is why measures need to be taken to address the dry air in the home

How do I fix dry air in my house?

There are some quick fixes that will make things a little better in the short term.

Seal drafts. Repair drafty doors and windows.
Change your furnaces filter regularly. A clogged filter reduces airflow and makes dryness feel worse.
Portable humidifiers range from small to large and range in price. Thes small humidifiers are good as a short-term fix but are typically effective in rooms as opposed to the entire home.
Houseplants naturally release moisture and are a nice addition to the décor of a home, however, you will need a lot of plants to make a noticeable difference of indoor air quality.
Replace your furnace. If you’re in need of a furnace replacement, some modern furnaces have built-in humidifier options.
Install a whole-home humidifier. This option is highly recommended as it is one of the best options for combating dry air in the home and is a complete solution, meaning the entirety of the home is addressed, as this unit attaches directly to your HVAC system, specifically the gas furnace, attaching directly to the homes ductwork, balancing humidity throughout the entirety of the home. These units are typically low maintenance once installed, and maintenance is typically covered by your HVAC service agreement.

Would an indoor air quality device help with dry air?

The REME HALO is a whole home induct air purification system. It installs into your HVAC ductwork and runs with the furnace/AC system. and help reduce airborne contaminants (viruses, bacteria, mold spores, allergens, odors).

It works continuously (when HVAC is running), so it treats all the air moving through the ducts. It won’t raise the relative humidity in your house. If air is too dry because heating and low outdoor moisture are pulling moisture out, a purifier won’t restore that moisture.

Would It Help Overall? Yes — combining something like REME HALO with humidity control can give a more comfortable and healthier home environment. The benefits would likely be fewer allergens, dust, mold spores in the air which can reduce irritation. Less lingering odors (pets, cooking, mildew, etc.). Lessening the risk of germs that cause viruses in the air (especially helpful in the winter flu season).

The REME HALO is a good “add-on” if you want better indoor air quality, but it is not air. a replacement for a humidifier for adding moisture.

When it comes to enhancing the indoor air quality of your home, it’s best to speak to a trained expert such as the team at DMG Mechanical. We have the equipment and expertise to test your air quality, relative humidity and HVAC system, to determine the perfect indoor air quality enhancements for your home.