Dry Air Can Damage Your Family’s Health and Home

Physicians and other experts often recommend humidity control to prevent the damaging effects of dry air caused by low relative humidity.

• Low humidity can increase your likelihood of getting colds, flu and other upper respiratory ailments. Viruses that cause colds and flu thrive in low humidity. And, according to The American Society of Otolaryngology, dry air can make people more susceptible to infection. In addition, drier air can aggravate allergy and asthma symptoms.

• Low humidity can cause home damage. It causes walls, woodwork, and your beautiful hardwood floors to crack. Electronics can fall victim to static electric charges, requiring expensive repair or replacement.

• Low humidity can cause higher energy costs. Low humidity can make you feel too cold at normal temperatures leading you to turn up the thermostat. This leads to higher energy bills.

Beyond the damage low humidity causes, it makes you uncomfortable. It can cause:

• Bloody noses
• Dry mouth and dry, itchy eyes
• Sore throats
• Cracked, itchy skin
• Painful static shocks