Dropping temperatures and wintry weather brings concerns for health. While the cold doesn’t cause illness, low-humidity winter air or the recycled air of your home heating system can dry out mucous membranes, making you more susceptible to coughs and colds and creating ideal conditions for asthma and bronchitis to flourish. The guide below shows how to best winterize your home to mitigate cold-producing conditions.

Conditions Exacerbated by Dry Winter Air

1. Flu

Studies have shown that keeping the humidity in the home at around 43% actually minimizes the spread of the flu virus. Coughing and sneezing are less prevalent in humid environments, thus limiting the spread of germs. Purchasing a humidifier to use, especially at night, will help to keep the humidity in your home to healthy levels. Houses with wood stoves especially need to add moisture to the air, as wood heat is extremely drying.

2. Asthma

Those who suffer from increased asthma attacks in the winter are likely responding to the irritating effects of cold, dry air in the lungs. A humidifier will work to keep lungs and mucous membranes moist and reduce irritation and inflammation. Additionally, be sure to change the filter on your home heating system and consider HEPA style filters that will decrease the amount of potentially harmful particulates in the air.

3. Bronchitis & Sinusitis

Upper respiratory and sinus infections are also exacerbated by dry air and cold conditions. Both the sinuses and bronchial tubes have linings kept moist by mucous that are the body’s natural filtration systems. When this mucous becomes dry, and these linings are irritated, germs are granted a foothold. If you suffer from chronic bronchitis or sinus infections, consider a whole-house humidifier system.

4. Dry Eyes, Nose, and Skin

Nosebleeds, dry or itchy eyes, and cracking skin are all part of winter woes that are made worse by cold, arid air. Forced air home heating systems can further dry your household environment. Of course, you need to stay warm, but combat the dryness with staying hydrated and using a humidifier.

Niceley’s Appliance Repair has served Erlanger and the Northern Kentucky area for almost 25 years. They install and repair home heating and cooling systems, stock replacement parts and accessories for appliances and HVAC systems, and offer fast ordering for parts they don’t stock. Niceley’s is family-owned and-operated and committed to serving their local population through quality business practices and community involvement. Call (859) 342-9900 for more information or to order parts, or visit the website to learn more about their services.