If you’ve ever noticed that your skin feels itchy, your throat is scratchy, or your lips are constantly chapped during the colder months, you’re not alone. Many homeowners experience an uncomfortably dry house during winter, and it’s not just your imagination—the air really is drier! But why does this happen, and what can you do to make your home feel more comfortable? Let’s break it down.
Why is the Air in My House So Dry During the Winter?
During the winter, the outside air holds less moisture because cold air cannot retain as much water vapor as warm air. When this already dry outdoor air enters your home—whether through ventilation, small cracks, or when you open doors and windows—it replaces the more humid indoor air. To make matters worse, heating systems, especially forced-air furnaces, further reduce indoor humidity by warming up the air without adding moisture. This results in a home that feels dry, leading to common issues like static electricity, dry skin, and even damage to wooden furniture or musical instruments.
8 Tips to Make Your House More Comfortable
Now that we know why your home feels like a desert in the winter, let’s talk about how to fix it. Here are some simple and effective ways to increase humidity and stay comfortable all season long.
Use a Humidifier
Humidifiers are one of the best solutions for dry indoor air. They add moisture back into the environment and can help maintain a healthy humidity level of around 30-50%. Choose between portable humidifiers for individual rooms or whole-house humidifiers that integrate with your HVAC system.
Incorporate Indoor Fountains
Indoor water fountains are not only decorative but also an excellent way to add humidity to your home. As water continuously circulates and evaporates, it naturally increases moisture levels in the air. Plus, the soothing sound of flowing water can create a calming ambiance in your space.
Place Bowls of Water Near Heat Sources
A budget-friendly trick is to place bowls, buckets, or even planters of water near radiators, heating vents, or wood stoves. As the water evaporates, it will naturally add moisture to the air.
Take Advantage of Steam
After you take a hot shower, leave the bathroom door open to let the steam spread throughout your home. Cooking on the stovetop and boiling water for tea or soup can also introduce moisture into the air. You can even make a simmer pot in a Dutch oven or pot on the stove to slowly humidify the air and make your home smell fresh.
Houseplants to the Rescue
Plants naturally release moisture through a process called transpiration. Some great humidity-boosting (and air-purifying) plants include peace lilies, spider plants, and Boston ferns.
Air-Dry Laundry Indoors
Rather than using the dryer, hang your clothes on a drying rack inside your home. This not only saves energy but also adds moisture to the air. If you don’t have laundry machines in your home, you can soak a towel in the bathtub and then allow it to air dry on a rack in your home.
Seal Drafts and Leaks
Cold, dry air can sneak into your home through gaps around windows and doors. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal these areas, helping to keep warm, humidified air inside where it belongs.
Lower the Thermostat
Overheating your home can make the air even drier. Try keeping your thermostat at a moderate temperature (between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit) and wear cozy layers instead.
While winter air naturally tends to be dry, you don’t have to suffer through months of discomfort. By adding moisture to the air and making small adjustments to your home, you can create a more pleasant living environment. You’ll be breathing easier, sleeping better, and saying goodbye to dry, itchy skin in no time!
