Dry air cracks wood floors, warps andmisaligns doors, and ruins wallpaper and textiles.
Learn why your house feels so dry and how to fix it.
Steam radiators introduce some moisture to the air.
svetikd / Getty Images
Baseboard heaters radiate slow heat without moving the air.
Cold air holds less moisture than warm air.
It’s no coincidence that the coldest place on EarthAntarcticais also the driest place.
Turn up the thermostat to help the air in your home retain moisture better.
For every 20F increase in air temperature, you double the air’s moisture-holding capacity.
It’s important to remember that simply turning up the heat does not increase moisture.
Instead, it improves the air’s ability to retain moisture.
You still need to introduce moisture into the home.
Air Leaks
Moving air dries out the air.
Even cooler air in the fall and winter has a drying effect.
Preventing external air leaks can make the home feel more comfortable.
Fix air leaks by air sealing your house.
Besides improving comfort, air sealing can save you up to 15-percent in energy costs.
Modifying or stopping the use of the fireplace will help your home retain more moisture.
Traditional wood-burning fireplaces dry out air and contribute to poor internal and external air quality.
Many communities restrict or ban their use.
A quick, inexpensive fix is toburn firelogsinstead of real wood.
Firelogs are made from recycled wood byproducts, and they burn cleaner than real firewood.
A direct ventgas fireplace insertimproves air quality and keeps the flames safely locked away behind sealed fireproof glass.
United States Antarctic Program / U.S. National Science Foundation Office of Polar Programs.
Relationship between temperature and moisture.
University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
Methodology for Estimated Energy Savings.
Energy Star, United States Environmental Protection Agency.
