Winter Climate Control Systems: The Temperature-Humidity Connection
by Wendy Croix
Home Improvement Ideas Columnist
It's winter. Your eyes are itching; your kids are coughing and sneezing, and your significant other can't concentrate. In fact, you're not so sharp yourself. You assume it's cabin fever, since the freezing temperature outside is trapping your family inside. You're half right. If these are your symptoms, inside may well be the problem. Inside air quality, that is. It's time to check your climate control system.
Indoor Climate--the Winter Basics
Control home humidity and you control home temperature. The two go hand in hand. Your eye irritation, itchy skin, and general discomfort are signs of low relative humidity in your home caused by winter heating. As a general rule, you'll be most comfortable when your winter humidity hovers around 40%, but heating can easily drive it down to 30% or below.
A good humidifier, preferable with a flow-through metal grate rather than a drum, lets you control home humidity. Since moist air feels warmer than dry air, your heating savings will offset your humidification costs. Say goodbye to dry skin, chapped lips, and wild winter hair once you have control of your home's humidity. Your wood furniture, floors, and artwork will be happy, too.
Indoor Air Quality
"Inadequate ventilation, inefficient filtration, and poor air-handling unit hygiene are the most documented reasons for [indoor air quality] problems," Greg Jourdan writes in Conditioning Heating & Refrigeration News. Since your home's climate control system needs ongoing maintenance, expect to change your furnace filter every three months. A clean climate control system means lower heating bills. You should also make sure your heating vents, ducts, and registers aren't blocked by furniture.
One final way you can minimize the discomfort of seasonal changes in indoor air quality is to rethink your carpet. Carpet is home to dust mites and other allergens, and if it's not thoroughly dried when it's cleaned, it's home to molds as well. If seasonal allergies plague you more than room temperature fluctuations, it might be a good idea to reconsider your flooring and floor covering.
Sources:
- "Breathing easier." Toronto Star (Apr 3, 2004).
- "Education for Cleaner Indoor Air," by Metta Winter. Human Ecology 31.3 (May 2004).
- "Simple Tests Can Help Pinpoint IAQ Problems," by Greg Jourdan. Conditioning Heating & Refrigeration News 225.4 (May 23, 2005).
About the Author
Wendy Croix, Ph.D. is a creative writer, freelancer, and self-confessed home improvement junkie. She's also a professor with more than twenty years experience in the field of education.
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