Winter is fast approaching beautiful Geauga County, Ohio! There is so much to look forward to, skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, snowboarding, you name it, we have it! Or you might simply prefer sitting by the fire sipping a delicious cup of hot cocoa…. don’t spare the marshmallows. No matter your preference, there is no doubt that you will be spending a fair amount of time indoors as the temperature dips.
Since you will be indoors a lot more in the winter, take a moment to consider your indoor air quality and how it can affect your health and well-being. Colder weather brings a drop in humidity as cold air holds less moisture than warm air. Cold dry air can be a nuisance, leading to fly-away-way hair, dry alligator skin and cracking furniture, but it can also lead to more serious conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. Here is a look at some things you can do to prevent dry winter air in your home.


1)SEAL AND INSULATE YOUR HOME - The first line of defense should be making sure that your house is well insulated. Cold air creeping through cracks and gaps can result in you having to crank up the thermostat to keep warm. This, unfortunately, will make the dry air even drier. Seal problem areas using weatherstripping and caulking.

2)SMART DEVICES - Devices such as smart thermometers have in-built humidity sensors that can monitor and maintain humidity levels anywhere using your phone.

3) AIR PURIFIERS - Invest in an air purifier and run it when you are home. A good air purifier will help eliminate viruses, bacteria and other allergens.

4) HUMIDIFIERS - One of the most efficient ways to combat dry winter air is with a humidifier. You could use a one room humidifier or invest in a whole house humidifier that connects with your home’s HVAC system. Keep in mind as the weather changes, with a whole house humidifier, you will have to check the humidity levels in your home to avoid too much moisture. Too much moisture relative to the outside can result in condensation where the warm air hits the cold surfaces. You might notice that on your windows.

5) SIMPLE SOLUTIONS - Cook on your stove top instead of using your oven. Cooking on your stovetop can moisten the air and who doesn’t like the delicious aroma of a big pot of soup bubbling on the stove? And…It doesn’t have to be Christmas to break out the stove top potpourri… oranges, cloves, ginger, lemons, cinnamon and cranberries, experiment with different combinations that will not only smell wonderful but will add moisture to the indoor air. When the kids come in from playing in the snow, dry their hats and mittens on the radiator. Bring your plants inside. Indoor plants improve indoor air quality as well as increase humidity levels in the house. If you have a radiator, place bowls of water nearby. The water heated by your radiator will evaporate and raise humidity levels.

6) INSPECT YOUR HVAC SYSTEM - It’s important to have your HVAC unit inspected before winter sets in. Using your system without regular maintenance can affect your home's air quality and cost you money in repairs and energy expenses. As part of the inspection, a professional will make sure that the evaporator coils and air filters are properly cleaned so that you will breathe easier this winter.


Auburn Heating carries a full range of APRILAIRE Products and can analyze your home’s air quality and recommend what best suits your needs. CALL - AUBURN HEATING PLUMBING AND AIR CONDITIONING - 440-543-1777 or Toll free- 1-888-543-HEAT (4328).