Most people dislike hot, muggy air. Furnaces, whether they’re forced-air models or electric, are prized for their dry heat. Whether a person finds that heat comfortable depends largely on their preferences and observations. Dry furnace heat may be perfect for one person but give another individual a headache. Here are some pros and cons to consider.
Pros of Dry Furnace Heat
The comforts of the dry heat produced by a furnace are numerous. The warm air heats up a room quickly, even if the space is freezing cold. People with smart thermostats programmed to turn on the furnace before they get out of bed find this ideal. Forced-air furnaces are also affordable and can be installed to replace boilers relatively easily. The ductwork that connects to the furnace can also be shared with the house’s central air conditioning. The furnace’s filter keeps the air clear of contaminants and should be changed or cleaned regularly. Dirty furnace filters blow pollutants into the indoor air.
Cons of Dry Furnace Heat
You and the members of your household can tell if the air is too dry because your skin will feel dry. You may notice that your eyes itch, and your lips could be chapped. Dry air also dries out your mucous membranes. This can cause a scratchy throat, a headache, or even a nosebleed.
You may notice that you get a shock whenever you touch a doorknob because the dryness has raised the level of static electricity. Wooden furniture and floors can dry out and warp or rot. If the humidity levels drop too low, you can feel cold, even though the temperature isn’t really all that low. This might cause someone to turn up the thermostat, which raises energy bills. Conversely, high humidity makes the air feel warmer than it actually is, but soggy air has its own problems.
What Can Be Done?
Ideally, the humidity in indoor air should be between 30% and 48%. If it’s too far above or below that and causing problems, you can have an HVAC professional install a whole-house humidifier. This device allows you to control the levels of humidity in your home and make sure everyone is comfortable. It comes with a water source, and an HVAC technician installs it either at the furnace or in the duct system.
There are three main types of whole-house humidifiers available. A steam humidifier puts steam in the air and allows you to control the humidity levels precisely. A bypass humidifier passes air from the furnace over an evaporative pad. The air then picks up any humidity before it enters the ductwork. Finally, a fan humidifier blows the air across a water panel. Again, the air picks up the humidity on its way to warm the rooms.
The right humidity in the air is part of what makes living in your home a pleasure. Consult with an HVAC professional if you need assistance finding the ideal humidity level for your house. If you live in Newnan, GA or a surrounding area and need furnace services, make your first call to E Dennis AC.
