Temperatures are already sweltering and we aren’t even into summer quite yet. You may be thinking more about your air conditioner than your furnace, but the off-season is a good time to be thinking about your furnace options if you have any concerns with your existing unit.
Here in Florida, we deal with high humidity levels year-round, although the air does get slightly drier in the winter. And depending on your unique needs, you may need a furnace, humidifier, or a furnace dehumidifier. You can keep reading to learn more about why a gas furnace might contribute to drying out the air in your home in the winter.
Combustion Process
There is a chance that your gas furnace is drying out your home’s air due to the combustion process. When you have a gas furnace, gas is channeled into the combustion chamber and ignited with the pilot light to create heat for your home. The combustion process can zap moisture from the air, making it drier than you would like.
This is a problem for two reasons. When the air in your home is drier, it’s often less comfortable. However, dry air also naturally feels cooler, so your heater may have to work harder to increase the temperature in your home when the air is dry. If there’s more moisture in the air, your home will naturally feel warmer and your furnace will not have to work as hard.
Winter Air
But your gas furnace is not the only problem. As we already said, winter air is naturally less humid. That means your gas furnace is bringing in dry air from the outside and then potentially removing even more moisture. And on the coldest days, the air is likely to be drier and the temperature difference in your home will be more noticeable than on milder days.
Balancing Humidity
Experts estimate that the healthy humidity range is between 30% and 50%. You may have a preference toward more or less humidity. But without a humidifier or a dehumidifier, you can’t guarantee a specific humidity level in your home.
If you’re struggling with dry air because of your gas furnace, you may want to invest in a humidifier. If your air is still too humid despite having a gas furnace, you may want to invest in a dehumidifier instead. A dehumidifier can also be very beneficial in the heat of Florida’s summer when we face extremely high levels of humidity that make it feel hotter than it really is.
The importance of healthy humidity levels extends beyond your comfort. Healthy humidity in your home can help you sleep better and improve your health. You’re less likely to have dry skin and sinus problems when you have enough humidity in the air. You also stand a chance at saving money on your monthly energy bills if your home is naturally more comfortable without having to turn the thermostat down too low in the summer, or up to high in the winter.
Serving St. Johns County since 1988 with quality, hometown service. The Climate Masters team is here to help you with all your HVAC needs, so schedule an appointment today!
