Just like air with excessive moisture content, very dry air also has its downsides. Dry weather in India is not a common phenomenon in most regions and does not last for a long time either. However, constant exposure to dry air can cause structural damages to your home. So if you live in a dry region and it is difficult to maintain the required humidity levels of 30 – 50%, your home can benefit from a humidifier to maintain optimum moisture levels in the indoor air. In this article, we will familiarise you with some signs you can look out for that might be indicative of dry air and how they can be remedied with a humidifier.
See also: Signs that your home needs a dehumidifier
Cracked hardwood floors
If you have hardwood floors, low humidity can cause them to contract as the wood loses its natural moisture with no source of replenishment. Cracks along the grain, visible gaps between planks, or uneven and creaky floorboards are some signs that your hardwood floor is low on moisture. Avoid this by installing a humidifier and maintaining proper humidity levels as cracked floors not only diminish the aesthetic appeal but also compromise the durability of your flooring.
Warped or split furniture
Wooden furniture exposed to prolonged dry air can shrink unevenly, causing warping or splitting. In jointed pieces like table legs or chair arms, you might even notice some loosening as the wood contracts. Unstable furniture can affect functionality and convenience and the loss of original finish might call for costly repairs or replacements. Countering the dry air by maintaining the required moisture content does away with this need.
Peeling paint or wallpaper
When the underlying material like drywall or plaster contracts due to dry air, the paint or wallpaper applied tends to lose adhesion. This results in bubbling, curling edges or peeling off of entire sections, thereby affecting the visual appeal of the space. Moreover, the peeling can expose the underlying material to the dry air even further, making them vulnerable to future damage due to sudden changes in humidity. While it is not possible to remedy the contraction once it occurs, installing a humidifier is a good preventive measure.
Gaps around doors and windows
Wooden frames shrinking from dry air leaves gaps around windows and doors. Weatherstripping may also lose its seal as a consequence of the same, thereby reducing the energy efficiency of your home. Such gaps can let in drafts, increase heating costs and compromise home insulation, leading to higher energy bills and general physical discomfort. All this can easily be avoided by keeping the moisture levels in check by installing a humidifier.
Squeaky stairs or doors
The joints and screws in stairs, railings and doors can become loose as a result of dry air, further causing the stairs to squeak when stepped on or doors to creak or stick by shifting slightly in their frames. Not only can these structural changes indicate deeper issues with wood integrity requiring significant carpentry repairs over time, but also indicate towards a major safety hazard.
Loose floorboards or trim
As wood shrinks, floorboards can loosen from their nails or glue. Similarly, trim or moulding may also pull away from walls and ceilings. Such issues are especially noticeable along baseboards and crown moulding. Such loose and uneven surfaces are not only unattractive but can also create tripping hazards and further amplify into larger structural concerns.
Fragile or cracked plaster
Materials like plaster and drywall can dry out and become brittle on exposure to dry air, leading to chipping or cracking. With time, the cracks become large and noticeable, especially in the areas with thick application of plaster. Plaster repairs are time-consuming and expensive, especially in the case of large cracks. If not addressed immediately and properly, it might cause more significant damage.
Increased dust and debris
Excessive dust isn’t just a cleanliness issue. It might be indicative of structural materials gradually breaking down, ultimately leading to costly repairs. Drying out and degrading of materials like plaster, grout or wood as a consequence of low humidity can release fine particles into the air, adding to the household dust and making cleaning harder.Â
Problems with electronics and musical instruments
Excessive static electricity caused as a result of dry air can interfere with or damage sensitive electronic devices. Additionally, instruments like pianos, guitars or violins are particularly sensitive to changes in humidity and can face warping, loosened glue joints and string tension. Such damage is, more often than not, irreversible, potentially leading to poor sound quality.
Physical symptoms
If you are frequently experiencing constant dryness and itchiness or flaking skin, red and irritated eyes, it is a significant indicator of dry indoor air. Low humidity also tends to dry out your throat and nasal passages, leading to increased snoring and difficulty in sleeping, while also making it easier for viruses to enter your body. Additionally, if you have pre-existing respiratory conditions or allergies, they might flare up and manifest in forms of sinus discomfort, nosebleeds or frequent congestions. All these issues can be kept at bay by using a humidifier at home.
FAQs
How can I tell if my home’s air is too dry?
Look out for physical symptoms like dry skin and respiratory issues, and structural issues like cracking wood, peeling paint or wallpaper and gaps around windows or doors.
What is the ideal indoor humidity level?
The recommended range for indoor humidity is 30 - 50% and anything below that can lead to dry air and associated problems.
Can dry air damage my home’s structure?
Prolonged exposure to dry air can cause wood floors to crack, furniture to warp and trim or moulding to pull away, issues that can potentially escalate into the need for expensive repairs.
How does low humidity affect my energy bills?
Dry air feels colder, even at normal temperatures, leading to the requirement for additional heating and increased costs.
Can houseplants indicate if I need a humidifier?
If your houseplants are wilting or showing stunted growth despite adequate watering, it might indicate that the air may be too dry for them to thrive.
Will a humidifier help with static electricity in my home?
Static electricity is caused as the lack of moisture makes it easier for electrical charges to build up and adding humidity can reduce this effect.
How often should I check my home’s humidity levels?
While it is best to monitor your home’s humidity year-round, it becomes especially important in the winter months when the indoor air tends to be drier.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
