A Familiar Autumn Change

It happens almost overnight. The first time the heat comes on, the air inside feels different, drier, sharper, and less comfortable. Skin itches, lips crack, and it’s suddenly harder to breathe easily.

This seasonal change is completely normal. Heating systems warm the air but don’t add moisture. In well-sealed modern homes, the effect can be especially strong because there’s very little natural air exchange.

Why It Matters

Dry indoor air can take a real toll, especially on older adults. It can cause dry eyes, scratchy throats, and irritated sinuses. It can make skin more fragile and worsen certain breathing conditions.

It also affects the home itself. Wood floors, trim, and furniture can shrink or crack when the air gets too dry. On the other hand, too much humidity over time can lead to condensation on windows, mold growth, and musty smells.

Finding a healthy middle ground is the goal, comfortable for people and safe for the home.

Keeping Humidity in Balance

Here are a few ways to help maintain healthy indoor humidity as the heating season begins:

• Check your humidifier.
  Whole-home humidifiers often have filters, pads, or hoses that need to be changed before winter. A quick look now can prevent leaks, odors, and uneven moisture later.
• Be cautious with portable units.
  Small humidifiers can help in individual rooms but need frequent cleaning. If not maintained properly, they can create too much humidity or circulate unclean air.
• Add a bit of natural moisture.
  Hanging laundry to dry indoors, keeping a few houseplants, or leaving the bathroom door open after a shower can all add gentle humidity without equipment.
• Monitor it simply.
  A small digital hygrometer, an inexpensive tool, can tell you when the air is too dry or too damp.

How Good Company Can Help

Our free, no-obligation Home Safety and Maintenance Report can help you see the bigger picture. We look at how your home’s systems, including heating, ventilation, and humidification, work together.

We’ll make sure your humidifier is ready for the season, note any small maintenance tasks that could improve comfort, and explain what you can easily do yourself.

It’s not about selling equipment. It’s about understanding your home and keeping it safe, comfortable, and healthy through the winter.