Why Denver homes get so dry

If you moved here from almost anywhere else, you noticed it fast. Denver air is dry. The altitude and the semi arid climate mean there is less moisture in the air to begin with, and winter makes it much worse.

Here is why. Cold air cannot hold much water. On a 15 degree January morning, the air outside might feel damp, but it carries very little actual moisture. When that air leaks into your home through doors, windows and attic gaps, the furnace heats it to 68 or 70 degrees. The amount of water in it stays the same, but warm air can hold far more, so the relative humidity drops sharply. It is common for Denver homes to sit well below 20 percent humidity indoors during the heating season. That is drier than many deserts.

Signs your home is too dry

You may not think of humidity as the cause, but dry air shows up in a lot of small ways.

How you feel

• Static shocks every time you touch a doorknob or a pet

• Dry, itchy skin and cracked lips

• Waking up with a scratchy throat or stuffy nose

• Nosebleeds, especially in kids

• Dry, irritated eyes, especially for contact lens wearers

What you see around the house

• Gaps opening between hardwood floor boards

• Cracks in wood trim, cabinets or furniture

• Guitars, pianos and other wood instruments going out of tune

• Houseplants that dry out fast

• Paint or drywall tape that starts to crack

If several of these sound familiar, low humidity is a likely culprit.

What humidity level should you aim for?

For most Denver homes in winter, 30 to 40 percent relative humidity is the sweet spot. It is comfortable for people, easier on wood floors and furniture, and low enough to avoid problems.

There is a catch. On the coldest days, glass gets very cold, and if the humidity inside is too high, moisture condenses on windows. Over time that can lead to water damage or mold on sills and frames. That is why many people keep humidity closer to 30 percent during deep cold snaps and let it run a little higher on milder days. Some whole home humidifiers adjust for this automatically using an outdoor temperature sensor.

How to check your humidity

You do not need special equipment. A digital hygrometer from a hardware store costs very little and gives you a reading in a few minutes. Many smart thermostats also display indoor humidity. Check it in a few different rooms and at different times of day to get a feel for your home.

Ways to add moisture

Small habits. Air drying laundry indoors, leaving the bathroom door open after a shower and keeping a few houseplants all add a little moisture. They help, but they will not move the needle much in a whole house.

Portable humidifiers. A tabletop unit can help a single bedroom. The downside is daily refilling, regular cleaning to prevent mold and bacteria, and white mineral dust from hard water.

Whole home humidifiers. These install on your furnace and add moisture to the air as it moves through the ductwork. They cover every room, connect to your water supply so there is nothing to refill, and run on their own control. For most Denver homes, this is the most effective and lowest maintenance option.

Dry air and your heating bill

Humid air feels warmer than dry air at the same temperature. That is because dry air pulls moisture from your skin, which has a cooling effect. With better humidity, many people find they are comfortable with the thermostat a degree or two lower, which can help offset heating costs over a long Colorado winter.

Get comfortable this winter

Dry air is not something you have to just live with. A quick humidity check tells you where you stand, and a whole home humidifier can bring your house into a comfortable range all season.

Allegiance National HVAC installs and services whole home humidifiers across the Denver metro, including Northglenn, Commerce City and Lafayette. Call Allegiance National HVAC at (720) 837 0377 to talk about adding humidity to your home before the coldest months.