As winter arrives in Camp Verde, AZ, locals may find themselves dealing with dry air. Creating a pleasant and healthy interior atmosphere becomes crucial for combating the impacts of dry winters, which may range from skin irritation to respiratory discomfort. To help you enjoy winter in the Grand Canyon State more, this detailed guide provides information on how dry air affects your HVAC system as well as practical solutions for navigating and overcoming dry indoor air.
Increased Static Electricity
Static electricity can easily accumulate in HVAC systems when the air inside is dry. Electrical problems and even component damage might result from this static charge. Since static electricity accumulation endangers the operation and integrity of the system, it’s imperative to find ways to combat this problem.
Reduced Humidity Control
Temperature and humidity regulation is a key component of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. It may be challenging for HVAC systems to provide effective humidity regulation in places with very dry air. Dry skin, itchy eyes, and trouble breathing are just some of the discomforts that inhabitants may experience due to this deficit. It is crucial to solve this difficulty by integrating whole-house humidification technologies.
Dust Accumulation
There is more dust buildup on HVAC components when the air is dry. This is because dust particles can stay in the air for longer periods of time when reduced moisture is present. When dust settles within an HVAC system, it limits airflow and heat exchange, reducing its efficiency. To reduce the effect of dust on HVAC efficiency, it is essential to have your HVAC system cleaned and maintained regularly.
Lower Efficiency
Dry air with a lower moisture content impacts the effectiveness of HVAC systems. This is especially true when it comes to heat exchange. Coils and heat exchangers may not function as well as they should, making the system work harder to reach the target temperature. The increasing workload causes energy consumption to rise as well as extreme wear and tear.
Potential Component Damage
Parts of HVAC systems, such as belts, bearings, and seals, are susceptible to drying out and cracking in dry environments. These parts are more likely to break down when they dry out or crack. This is why it’s important to have a professional check them often and replace them as needed. It’s equally important to find ways to mitigate dry indoor air.
System Overheating
There are a number of ways in which dry indoor air can cause HVAC systems to overheat. Components such as heat exchangers and coils have to work at higher temperatures when there isn’t enough humidity to let the heat dissipate. System components may experience excessive wear and tear due to this increased workload. As a result, this reduces efficiency and increases the risk of system failure. To avoid the harmful consequences of HVAC system overheating, it is crucial to monitor humidity levels. Homeowners can also take steps, such as using appropriate ventilation and humidity management.
Methods of Maintaining Proper Indoor Humidity
Using a Whole-Home Humidifier
Whole-home humidifiers provide moisture to the air that makes its way through an entire HVAC system and home. These units ensure the interior humidity remains consistent throughout the winter by releasing water vapor into the heating system.
Humidity controls allow homeowners to tailor an HVAC system to their own preferences throughout the changing seasons. In addition to battling dry indoor air, humidifiers improve general comfort and boost HVAC system performance. Homeowners commonly use whole-home humidifiers to alleviate problems like dry skin, respiratory discomfort, and static electricity. Keep in mind that the ideal humidity inside a home is between 40 and 60%.
The Impact of Air Leaks
Household air leaks exacerbate the problem of dry indoor air in the winter months in Arizona. When dry air from the outside seeps into a home, the humidity levels indoors typically drop. Installing weather stripping, caulking, and insulation where needed can help protect homes against air leaks. Keep an eye out for common entry points for water and resolve any issues promptly in order to protect your HVAC system’s integrity.
Decorate With Indoor Plants
Snake plants, peace lilies, and spider plants are some of the best houseplants for Arizona residents to use while fighting dry air. Not only do these plants look great, but they also help create natural humidity in places like bedrooms, bathrooms, and living rooms by transpiring water. Homeowners can design eye-catching displays using ornamental containers, hanging plants, and shelves.
Improve Your Home’s Ventilation
If you live in Arizona and experience dry indoor air throughout the winter, you should consider investing in better ventilation for your house. To keep the air from being too dry, proper ventilation is essential. Homeowners can improve ventilation by opening windows from time to time. This should be easy for Camp Verde homeowners, where the average daytime temperature during the winter is 70°F.
Making sure the attic is well-ventilated is equally important. Many homeowners find it useful to use exhaust fans when cooking and bathing. When it comes to Arizona’s dry winters, it’s a good idea to consult with HVAC experts for customized solutions that optimize ventilation systems.
Adjust Thermostat Settings
When it comes to battling dry indoor air, smart thermostats that have humidity control functions are the way to go. Homeowners can easily control humidity in the home in addition to setting routine temperature schedules. To keep warm in the winter without making the air too dry, adjust the thermostat to 65°F to 68°F. Strive for a relative humidity of 30–50%. To further distribute the moisture, think about turning the fan to its “fan-only” mode.
Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
The key to keeping interior air from becoming too dry during Arizona winters is to schedule HVAC maintenance regularly. Having a professional service your HVAC system ensures efficient operation and keeps the humidity control systems in good working order. If you’re experiencing dry air, a technician can check for and fix problems like blocked filters, leaks, or broken parts. This maintenance should be scheduled once a year.
Avoid Overheating
The more you use the furnace, the more warm air it will produce. The more warm air it produces, the less moisture there is in the air. Fortunately, there are several ways to avoid overheating your home. For starters, start by setting a comfortable temperature that is neither too hot nor too cold. To keep warm without resorting to the furnace, dress in layers. It also helps to make use of the sun’s natural heat throughout the day and maybe layer up or use a blanket at night.
Is the dry air inside your Camp Verde house a problem? Goettl's High Desert Mechanical can install a whole-home humidifier, geothermal system, ductless HVAC, boiler, water heater, and more. Maintenance agreements are also available. Get in touch with our experienced and knowledgeable team if you want to find out how to prevent dry air from decreasing the indoor air quality of your home.
