Why a Gas Furnace Dries Out Your Houses Air and How to Solve It

There’s a reason why air appears drier during cold weather than when it’s warmer. That’s due to the fact warmer air carries extra moisture, or humidity, than colder air. 

The same is true for your the U.S. house. Starting your gas furnace makes your home feel warmer but can also dry out the indoor air. Dry air can bring a whole host of ailments, including dry skin, cracked lips and make you more exposed to getting sick. 

Here’s why your gas furnace dries out your residence’s air and what you can do to resolve it. 

Your Furnace’s Combustion Procedures are Part of the Problem 

The fuel your furnace needs isn’t the culprit responsible for making your home’s air appear dry. Rather, it’s the combustion process. 

There are two different kinds of gas furnaces, standard and high efficiency. With an older standard furnace, you can notice light from the burners when it’s working. A newer, high-efficiency furnace is tightly sealed. 

A standard furnace, also known as an atmosphere furnace, pulls air from inside your residence to work. Because the furnace continuously uses air to burn, it will also pull cold, dry air from outdoors, which in turn lowers your home’s humidity. 

High-efficiency furnaces, also known as a sealed combustion furnace, are used for keeping your humidity steady. They pull all their combustion air from outdoors, but it stays trapped within the sealed furnace. As an added perk, they keep your home more cozy while consuming less energy. Switching to an ENERGY STAR® furnace from an old furnace might save you as much as 40% on heating costs, according to Lennox®. 

In addition to combustion, cold air also naturally flows into your residence during cold weather. Lower humidity means the air will rob moisture quickly from your skin, lips, nose and throat. It’s also to blame for static electricity. 

How to Stabilize Humidity in Your Home 

Using a humidifier. While a portable humidifier can only make one room pleasant at a time, a whole-house humidifier will generate that comfort across your home. 

These are just a few humidifier benefits you’ll acquire when you upgrade to a whole-home system. 

Improved Health During Cold and Flu Season 

It’s common that cooler weather is the worst time for colds, flu and other illnesses. That’s due to the fact you’re more susceptible to get sick when your nose and throat are dry. Under certain airflow conditions, air at the right humidity level may also restrict the spread of some viruses. Additionally, it can combat year-round allergy symptoms. 

Relief from Dry Skin 

If you have chronically dry skin or eczema, you realize just how uncomfortable those conditions are during winter. Installing a whole-house humidifier will help your skin hold onto more moisture. 

Improved Sleep 

Maintaining your bedroom at the preferred temperature and humidity level will keep you cozy at night. It can also alleviate loud snoring, since your throat and nose will be better hydrated. 

Defends the Wood in Your Home 

Cabinets, flooring, furniture and generally anything in your residence that’s wood doesn’t like it when humidity is too low. This is due to the fact dry air absorbs moisture from the wood and causes it to crack. Keeping your home’s humidity at the right level will keep your home’s furnishings looking their best. 

Little Maintenance Required 

Between regular filter changes and constant refilling, portable humidifiers require a lot of upkeep. A whole-house humidifier only needs servicing about once a year, which can be done at the same time as your furnace tune-up. 

A steam humidifier has the least amount of maintenance since it doesn’t require a pad. It retains water in a canister and boils it into steam that gets transported through your ductwork. Because it’s independently powered, it can run when the furnace isn’t on. 

Book Your Free Home Comfort Consultation Today 

If your home’s air feels less than comfy during the winter, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help. Call us at 866-397-3787 to request a free home comfort consultation. There’s no pressure, just free Expert recommendations on how you can balance your home’s humidity at just the proper level. And, like our other services, our work is backed by our well-known 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for one year.* 


*Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program Agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions. 

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