With the decline in temperatures throughout Maryland, homeowners tend to use their heating systems to warm up. Indoor humidity control, achieved through your HVAC system, is not only a comfort but also a health matter; it is also an energy and money-saving issue, as well as a life-prolonging factor for your home.

Excess humidity creates a breeding ground for mold and dust mites, whereas a lack of moisture causes the skin to dry, irritated sinuses, and even damage to wooden furniture. The trick is to strike the appropriate balance, typically 30-50 percent in the case of relative humidity, particularly in winter when the heating systems can make the air too dry.

Understanding Indoor Humidity Balance

Humidity is the level of water vapour within the air. When the air becomes excessively dry, it pulls all the moisture out of everything surrounding it, including your skin, wood floors, and even your breathing system. On the other hand, when the moisture is too high in the air, it condenses and grows mold.

The relative humidity of most homes should be between 30% and 50%. Within this range, indoor comfort will improve, health hazards will be reduced, and your HVAC system will operate more efficiently.

This HVAC moisture equilibrium in the heating season is not self-preservation, though; it takes a combination of adequate ventilation, insulation, and skilled system modifications.

How Heating Systems Affect Indoor Humidity

When winter comes, heating systems suck moisture from the air. Central forced-air systems, for example, tend to make rooms too dry. This happens because warm air can hold more moisture, but there's no way to add it back.

Your HVAC has an effect on humidity in these key ways:

• Drying Effect: Heat makes indoor temperatures go up. This lowers relative humidity and makes moisture evaporate from surfaces and skin.
• Air Circulation: Without a good humidifier, warm air that moves around gets very dry. This can make breathing problems worse during this time.
• Closed Environments: When windows and doors are shut tight, fresh air can't get in. This makes humidity problems even worse.

Over time, this imbalance hurts air quality and comfort. Because of these issues, many Maryland homeowners start to look into getting humidifiers and dehumidifiers installed.

Why Low Humidity Is a Winter Problem

Dry indoor air might seem harmless, but it affects nearly every aspect of daily living.

• Health Impacts: Low humidity can dry out nasal passages and throat tissues, making you more prone to colds, coughs, and sinus infections.
• Skin and Comfort: Dryness causes itchy skin, cracked lips, and irritated eyes.
• Home Damage: Homeowners can notice warping or cracks in wooden furniture, floors, and musical instruments.
• Static Electricity: Low moisture levels cause a noticeable increase in static discharge, which can even affect electronic equipment.
• Static Electricity: The level of moisture is low, and hence the discharge of static electricity will be high, and even electronic equipment is susceptible.

The Other Extreme: When Humidity Is Too High

Though winter dryness is a natural phenomenon, in some houses there might be too much humidity, especially where the ventilation or insulation is not enough to keep the house cool. This usually happens when there is no moisture that can be released during cooking, showering, or even laundry at home.

Excess humidity leads to:

• Mold and Mildew Growth: Allergenic and respiratory issues that are triggered by visible or invisible spores.
• Windows Condensation: Another indication of trapped moisture is present here.
• Musty Smells: It is never dry, and it reduces the quality of the indoor air.
• Structural Damage: This would ruin paint, drywall, and insulation due to constant exposure to a humid environment.

The Role of HVAC Systems in Humidity Control

Modern HVAC technology enables a greater level of control of the humidity in a room than ever before. Whole-home humidifiers and dehumidifiers in the systems allow automatic regulation of the moisture level and create a more comfortable and energy-efficient environment.

• Whole-Home Humidifiers: This is a device that adds moisture to the air throughout the heating period. It also ensures that there is no discomfort in dry air during this period.
• Dehumidifiers: Get rid of unwanted moisture, especially in the basement or non-draft homes.
• Smart Thermostats: The Smart Thermostats will monitor the temperature and humidity in the house in real-time and effectively control the HVAC production to balance the interior environment.

Practical Ways to Control Humidity When Heating the Home.

Homeowners can do a number of simple things to facilitate balanced humidity levels, even without expensive equipment:

1. Monitor Humidity Levels

Relative humidity should be measured using a digital hygrometer. Target 30-50, beyond that, an adjustment is necessary.

2. Adjust Room Temperatures

Overheated rooms intensify dryness. Set living areas around 21–23°C (70–73°F) and bedrooms slightly cooler for both comfort and balance.

3. Improve Ventilation

Open windows once or twice per day or have exhaust fans in the kitchens and bathrooms. Exchange of air assists in the reduction of moisture and also enhances control of the quality of air and humidity.

4. Insulate Properly

Insulation prevents the cold spots where condensation is taking place. Caulk window cracks, door cracks, and duct cracks in an attempt to stabilize the temperature and humidity.

5. Avoid Drying Laundry Indoors

Wet clothes hung in the house may contribute up to liters of water vapor to the atmosphere. Outdoor drying facilities or adequate ventilation need to be used in case of indoor drying.

6. Maintain HVAC Components

Install clean air filters, service ducts, and check whether there are air leaks. Properly maintained HVAC systems also spread air more equally and assist in controlling the amount of moisture indoors.

7. Consider Professional Solutions

Humidifier and dehumidifier installation is a long-term stabilizing measure when the changes are constant. The professional technicians have an opportunity to evaluate the quality of air in your home and suggest the appropriate system to ensure your constant comfort.

Conclusion

Maintaining a balanced humidity level throughout the heating season is crucial for preserving comfort, air quality, and system performance. Both over- and under-moisture may cause inconveniences, health hazards, and home damage. Proper insulation, ventilation, and HVAC moisture balance help to achieve a balanced indoor environment.

For customized solutions to address dry air issues during winter in Maryland, contact Riley Heat & Air.