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Winter in Louisville usually means gray skies and the furnace running non-stop. 

Staying warm from a constant blast of heated air comes with a hidden cost that many homeowners overlook. 

If you shock your cat when petting, have unusually dry skin, or notice gaps forming in hardwood floors, you may have an HVAC problem involving low home humidity.

A common mistake among homeowners is to treat the symptoms of dry air rather than the cause. Prudential HVAC can identify the root cause and offer a solution restoring home humidity levels to normal. 

Why Is My House So Dry in the Winter?

Maintaining proper home humidity in Louisville winters can be a challenge. When a furnace heats outdoor air, which already contains minimal moisture during cold months, relative humidity drops. Cold air holds less moisture than warm air, so when dry winter air gets heated the relative humidity drops to uncomfortable levels.

The vacuum effect involves dry air pulling moisture out of what’s in the home: skin, houseplants, and even wood furniture. 

Wood naturally contains moisture so when home humidity levels drop too low the moisture can migrate from the wood into the dry air. 

Louisville homeowners may experience static shocks, itchy skin, and furniture damage during the heating season.

Common Symptoms of Dry Indoor Air

HVAC issues go beyond hot and cold because a properly functioning system controls moisture levels in a home. When air gets too dry there are multiple warning signs that home humidity is not where it should be:

• The Winter Itch: Dry air pulls moisture directly out of skin and eyes, leading to cracked skin, irritated sinuses, and uncomfortable dryness.
• Static Electricity: If touching a doorknob is physically shocking, the air is too dry. Static buildup occurs when home humidity levels fall.
• Frequent Sickness: Dry air dries out nasal passages and mucous membranes, making it easier for cold and flu viruses to take hold. The body's first line of defense against illness requires adequate moisture to function properly.
• The Chill Factor: Dry air can feel colder than moist air at the same temperature because body heat can escape more easily.

How Dry Air Damages Your Home and Furniture

A home's woodwork has a moisture content that should remain stable. But when the heater blasts 24/7 with low home humidity, it pulls moisture out of hardwood floors, crown molding, furniture, and even musical instruments.

Wood is hygroscopic, meaning it naturally absorbs and releases moisture. 

Wood species each have an Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC) the point where the wood's moisture level matches the relative humidity of the air around it. 

When home humidity drops rapidly during winter, wood shrinks as it loses moisture. Permanent damage can occur if this shrinkage happens too quickly or humidity stays too low for extended periods.

Signs of Low Moisture in Furniture and Woodwork

• Gaps in hardwood
• Out-of-tune instruments
• Cracked crown molding (i.e., cracks where the wall meets the ceiling)
• Joint separation in furniture (e.g., drawers not closing properly or table joints loosening)

What Should Home Humidity Be?

The answer depends on outdoor temperatures. Ideal home humidity during Louisville winters should typically range between 30 to 40%.

Humidity should decrease as outdoor temperatures drop to prevent condensation on windows and walls, which can lead to mold growth and water damage.

But many Louisville homes struggle to maintain optimal humidity in winter without intervention, leaving residents uncomfortable and at risk for the health and home damage issues discussed above.

Whole-Home Humidifiers vs Portable Units

• Coverage: Whole-home systems, installed into existing ductwork, cover the entire house with consistent humidity levels in every room. Portable units only reach a single space and create uneven conditions.
• Maintenance: Whole-home systems require minimal attention with less-frequent filter changes. Plus, portables require scrubbing.
• Noise of Operation: A whole-home system is not as noisy because the unit is tucked away in a basement or utility closet and operates automatically with the furnace.
• Precision Control: Many whole-home systems have automatic controls that maintain home humidity levels adjusted without manual intervention.

Lower Energy Bills by Maintaining Proper Humidity

Maintaining ideal home humidity levels allows you to lower your thermostat by a few degrees and feel equally comfortable. 

The energy savings of this can add up quickly over a Louisville winter. For every degree you lower your thermostat, you can reduce heating costs. 

Proper home humidity levels can allow for a temperature reduction translating to savings on heating bills. This money quickly offsets the investment in a whole-home humidifier.

Skin, furniture, health, and wallet will all thank you for addressing low home humidity properly. 

Beyond comfort, you're protecting valuable flooring, furniture, and musical instruments.

Schedule Your Humidity Consultation in Louisville with Prudential HVAC!