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How to Combat Dry Indoor Air

You know that sticky, uncomfortable humidity we suffer through during the summer months? Well, this time of year when temps drop and heating systems start up, we sure could use a little. Dry indoor air, a common consequence of forced air heating systems, can make your life downright miserable. Dry, itchy skin, lifeless hair, dry sinuses, and static electricity are just some of the problems dry air can cause. And yet winter after winter, countless homeowners just grin and bear it.  Sure, an extra layer of moisturizing lotion and a few squirts of saline nasal spray remove some of the misery, but wouldn’t you prefer a better solution?

Here are just a handful of simple remedies you can employ to combat dry indoor air.

  • Stock up on household plants that are known for adding moisture to the air, such as the rubber plant, English ivy, and Boston fern.
  • Turn down the water temperature during your shower as hot water tends to dry skin out. And consider cutting the length of your shower by a few minutes.
  • Apply a moisturizing lotion while your body is still damp from a shower or bath and allow your skin to air dry.
  • Instead of using the heated dry setting on your dishwasher, open the door as soon as the cycle is complete. The steam and warmth will flood your kitchen and you’ll save a few bucks on utility costs, too.
  • Hang clothing up to dry on portable dryer racks instead of using the clothes dryer. Again, you’ll save a bit on utility costs.
  • Place a few small bowls filled with water near floor registers or vents. As the water heats up, it will release moisture into the the air.

A Better Solution from Relief Heating and Cooling

While each of the above will provide some relief, nothing can match the effectiveness of a whole-house humidifier professionally installed by Relief Heating and Cooling. We have multiple options available and will help you choose the right one for your household’s total comfort needs.

In addition to softer skin, healthier hair, and fewer sinus problems, a whole-house humidifier will deliver the following benefits:

Greater comfort at lower thermostat settings. The more humidity in the air, the more comfortable you’ll feel. And that means you can turn down the temperature on the thermostat by a couple degrees, reducing wear and tear on your system and reducing monthly heating costs.

Protect wood floors, doors, and furnishings. Dry air sucks the moisture from anything made of wood, especially delicate pieces such as wood instruments, This causes the wood to warp and crack over time.

A better night’s sleep. It’s hard to fall asleep and stay asleep when you’re tossing and turning due to congestion, dry cough, headaches, and dry, itchy skin.  A little added humidity can help you get the restful sleep you need.

Reduced static electricity. Static electricity causes clothing and blankets to stick together and delivers a painful shock when you touch a metal surface like a doorknob. However, when air has the proper amount of humidity, static electricity eases up.

Ready to stop suffering needlessly with dry indoor air once and for all? Contact the home comfort experts at Relief Heating and Cooling today for more information and a free new system quote.

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How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality | Ductless Air Conditioning

Don’t take out your crying towel yet – in fact, you may not need it, even after learning this bit of a shocker – on average, indoor air is up to five times more polluted than outdoor air.

Which means, whether you show symptoms or not, chances are you’re not doing your body any good by routinely inhaling dust, dirt, pesticides, bacteria, and all sorts of known indoor air pollutants. For those who suffer from allergies or asthma, cleaner air can spell immense relief.

That’s the bad news – but you already knew that. Now for some good news. There’s plenty you can do on your own to clean up your indoor air with very little effort or expense. Let’s examine a few of the more common ways to achieve that goal.

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality | Ductless Air Conditioning

Dust and Vacuum Frequently

One of the most common indoor air pollutants is dust. Once it settles on surfaces and the floor, it recirculates into the air – over time, dust can cause or aggravate allergy problems. Dusting with microfiber cloths is more effective than using a feather duster. Also, vacuum your floors twice a week using a machine with a HEPA filter.

Buy and Nurture Houseplants to Filter out Contaminants

NASA conducted a study in 1989 that proved certain house plants effectively remove bacteria and other toxins from the air. These plants thrive on the very pollutants that can make you ill. Spider plants, Boston ferns, and peace lilies are particularly effective air cleaners.

Take Care When Selecting Cleaning Products

Many retail cleaning products contain harsh, unhealthy chemicals. To play it safe, make your own organic cleaning products using common household ingredients like baking soda and vinegar.

Use Vent Fans

The ventilation fans in your house are there for a reason. In the kitchen, they remove fumes and moisture created by cooking. In the bathroom, they reduce shower-generated humidity.

Clean and Replace Your HVAC Filters

Furnace and air conditioning filters are designed to trap dust, dirt, and other airborne pollutants. By cleaning or and replacing them (as needed) every six to eight weeks, you can substantially improve air quality.

A Whole-House Air Cleaning Solution – from Relief Heating & Air Conditioning

While every little bit helps, nothing helps improve air quality than a whole-house air filtration system from Relief. Installed inside your ductwork, our systems trap more than 99% of dust, dirt, bacteria, VOCs, and other pollutants that move through your air ducts when your furnace or AC fan is engaged. That makes for cleaner air, and that makes for a healthier you.

Contact Relief Heating & Cooling today to schedule a free new system proposal. While we’re at it, we’ll tell you more about other indoor air quality products that might suit you better.