Fall shows up, the windows close, the heat gets turned back on… and the air inside your home starts to change.
You may notice it first on your skin: chapped lips, dry hands and itchy skin. Then come the irritated nose, scratchy throat, burning eyes or that unexpected nosebleed that seems to come out of nowhere.
It’s not your imagination. Dry indoor air in the fall and winter can affect your health, especially when the heat is running full blast and there isn’t enough moisture in the air.
Luckily, there are ways to beat the dryness! A few simple adjustments can make your home much more comfortable throughout the colder months.
Cold outdoor air generally contains less moisture than warm air. When that air enters your home and is heated, its relative humidity drops even further.
As a result, indoor air can become very dry, especially during cold spells when the heat is running almost constantly.
And your body notices. Humidity plays an important role in keeping your mucous membranes, skin and eyes comfortable. When the air is too dry, it can increase moisture loss from the surface of your body and dry out the mucous membranes in your nose and throat.
Dry air does not necessarily cause health problems for everyone. But some people are more sensitive to it, and certain symptoms can become more noticeable when indoor humidity is too low.
One of the nose’s important jobs is to protect us. The mucus inside your nose helps trap particles and microorganisms that you breathe in.
When your nasal passages become dry, especially during the colder months, the mucous membranes can become irritated and more fragile. This can leave your nose feeling dry or stuffy and, for some people, increase the risk of nosebleeds.
Have a scratchy throat even though you are not actually sick?
Dry air may be one of the reasons. It reduces moisture in the mucous membranes that line your throat, which can lead to dryness, irritation and that familiar scratchy feeling.
And if you already have a cough, this irritation can make it even more uncomfortable.
Cold, dry air can irritate your airways. For some people, it can also worsen symptoms related to asthma, bronchitis or sinusitis.
If you already have a respiratory condition, you may notice more coughing, irritation or discomfort during the colder months.
Dry air does not cause a cold or the flu on its own. These infections are caused by viruses.
That said, the mucous membranes in your nose play an important role in protecting you. They produce mucus that traps some of the viruses, bacteria and other particles you breathe in, helping prevent them from travelling further into your airways.
When the air is very dry, the mucous membranes can dry out and the mucus may be less effective. Dry air will not give you a cold, but it can make this first line of defence less effective when you are exposed to a virus.
Your eyes can also feel the effects of dry air during the colder months.
Very dry air can increase the evaporation of the tear film that protects the surface of your eyes. You may notice dryness, burning, stinging or redness.
This can be especially uncomfortable if you spend a lot of time in front of a screen.
This is probably one of the easiest signs to notice.
When there is not enough moisture in the air, more water can be lost from the surface of your skin. The result can be dry, rough or itchy skin.
For people with sensitive skin or a condition such as eczema, winter can be particularly challenging.
And your lips are no exception! The skin on your lips is thinner and has fewer natural ways of retaining moisture, which is why they can become dry and chapped so quickly.
Dry air can also contribute to dehydration, particularly if you are not drinking enough water or other fluids.
Add irritated or congested sinuses to the mix, and you have a combination that may contribute to headaches for some people.
So, don’t put that water bottle away just because it’s winter!
It may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but dehydration can also affect your digestive system.
If you drink less water during the winter and your body does not get enough fluids, your stools can become drier and harder to pass.
It is certainly not the only possible cause of constipation, but staying well hydrated is important year round.
Heating does not literally remove water from the air every time it runs. The main issue is that cold outdoor air has a much lower relative humidity once it is heated indoors.
In a heated, poorly ventilated home, the air can therefore become particularly dry.
Forced air heating systems can also circulate dust, pet dander and other particles around the home if filters and ventilation systems are not properly maintained.
For people with allergies or asthma, the combination of dry air and indoor irritants can be particularly uncomfortable.
You don’t need to turn your living room into a tropical greenhouse. A few simple steps can help keep indoor humidity at a comfortable level.
1. Monitor your indoor humidity
Before buying anything, start by finding out what is actually happening in your home.
A small digital hygrometer can make it easy to measure relative humidity in a room.
The goal is generally between 30% and 50%.
Too little humidity can contribute to dryness. But be careful: too much humidity can encourage mould growth and dust mites, which may worsen certain respiratory problems and allergies.
2. Use a humidifier
A humidifier can help add moisture to indoor air when it is too dry.
There are several types available, including small portable units, room humidifiers and whole home systems.
Whatever type you choose, regular maintenance is essential. A poorly cleaned humidifier can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mould.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and changing the water, and avoid exceeding the recommended humidity level.
3. Air dry your laundry indoors
Give your dryer a little break!
When appropriate, hanging some clothes on an indoor drying rack allows the water to evaporate naturally into the room.
It is a simple step that can help slightly increase the humidity in your home.
4. Add a few houseplants
Some houseplants naturally release water vapour into the air.
They certainly will not replace a humidifier if your home is very dry, but they can contribute to a more comfortable indoor environment.
And they are a nice way to bring a little greenery into your home when everything outside is covered in snow.
5. Drink enough water
The humidity in your home cannot replace the hydration your body needs. You need to drink your water!
Keep a water bottle nearby and drink regularly throughout the day. Your fluid needs vary depending on several factors, including your age, activity level and overall health.
Soups, broths, fruits and vegetables that are high in water can also contribute to your daily fluid intake.
Even with a comfortable indoor humidity level, your skin may need a little extra care during the winter.
A few simple habits can make a big difference:
Winter naturally makes us want to keep the windows closed. It is comfortable… but it also means that certain contaminants can build up indoors.
Dust, pet dander, allergens and other particles can circulate throughout the home, especially when the heating system is running.
A few habits can help:
Winter comfort should never come at the expense of safety.
Fuel burning appliances, including some heating systems, fireplaces and gas appliances, can produce carbon monoxide (CO) if they are not working properly or are poorly ventilated.
Carbon monoxide is an odourless and invisible gas. Make sure your heating equipment is maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and that your home has working carbon monoxide detectors.
Mild irritation that goes away once humidity returns to a comfortable level is generally not a major concern.
However, if your symptoms persist, get worse or are significant, such as difficulty breathing, frequent nosebleeds, significant eye irritation or an unusual skin reaction, it is a good idea to speak with a doctor or other healthcare professional. You can also visit Bonjour-santé to search for a medical appointment at no cost, or chat with BonsAi, Bonjour-santé’s intelligent assistant, for a free symptom assessment and guidance on what type of care may be appropriate.
The air in your home can affect your comfort, but when your body sends you a signal that does not go away, it is worth paying attention.
Why is the air in my home so dry in winter?
How can I add moisture to my home during winter?
Can dry air cause a cold or make asthma worse?
