Why a Gas Furnace Dries Out Your Homes Air and How to Fix It

There’s a reason why air feels drier during cold weather than when it’s warmer. That’s due to the fact warmer air holds more moisture, or humidity, than colder air. 

The same is true for your the U.S. home. Starting your gas furnace makes your home feel warmer but can also dry out the indoor air. Dry air can bring a whole host of ailments, including dry skin, cracked lips and make you more likely to get sick. 

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

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

The fuel your furnace needs isn’t the culprit responsible for making your residence’s air seem dry. Rather, it’s the combustion procedures. 

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

A standard furnace, also called an atmosphere furnace, draws air from inside your house to work. Because the furnace constantly needs air to burn, it will also draw in cold, dry air from outdoors, which in turn affects your residence’s humidity. 

High-efficiency furnaces, also known as a sealed combustion furnace, are best for keeping your humidity steady. They draw all their combustion air from outdoors, but it stays locked in the sealed furnace. As an extra advantage, they keep your house more cozy while needing less energy. Moving to an ENERGY STAR® furnace from an old furnace may save you as much as 40% on heating costs, according to Lennox®. 

In addition to combustion, cold air also naturally seeps into your house during colder weather. Reduced humidity means the air will steal moisture quickly from your skin, lips, nose and throat. It also causes static electricity. 

How to Even Out Humidity in Your Residence 

Using a humidifier. While a portable humidifier can only make one room comfy at a time, a whole-house humidifier will spread that comfort throughout your residence. 

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

Better Health During Cold and Flu Season 

It’s common that cooler weather is the worst time for colds, flu and other ailments. That’s since you’re more likely to end up sick when your nose and throat are dry. Under certain airflow conditions, air at the correct humidity level may also resist the spread of some viruses. Additionally, it can reduce year-round allergy symptoms. 

Relief from Dry Skin 

If you have consistent dry skin or eczema, you understand just how irritating those conditions can be during winter. Installing a whole-house humidifier will help your skin hold onto more moisture. 

Enhanced Sleep 

Keeping your bedroom at the preferred temperature and humidity level will keep you cozy at night. It can also reduce loud snoring, since your throat and nose will be better hydrated. 

Protects the Wood in Your Home 

Cabinets, flooring, furniture and most anything in your home that’s wood suffers when humidity is too low. This is because of the fact dry air draws moisture from the wood and causes it to crack. Keeping your home’s humidity at the correct level will keep your residence’s furnishings looking their best. 

Little Maintenance Needed 

Between consistent filter changes and constant refilling, portable humidifiers expect a lot of upkeep. A whole-house humidifier only needs a tune-up about once a year, which can be completed along with your furnace tune-up. 

A steam humidifier has the lowest amount of maintenance since it doesn’t need a pad. It stores water in a canister and boils it into steam that gets transported through your ductwork. Because it’s independently powered, it can work when the furnace is off. 

Schedule Your Free Home Comfort Consultation Right Away 

If your residence’s air feels less than cozy during the winter, 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 sales tactics, just free Expert recommendations on how you can balance your home’s humidity at just the correct level. And, like our other services, our work is backed 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.