How Does Your HVAC Affect Your Skin?
When discussing skin health, the last thing that probably comes to mind is your heating and cooling systems, but you might be surprised to know that your HVAC system plays an important role in keeping your skin healthy, especially during the winter months. Residential and commercial HVAC repair specialist Schmitt takes a closer look.
Air Leaks and Insulation
Cold temperatures tend to strip moisture from the air, resulting in dry indoor air during the winter. What you need is a closed and insulated environment, which means that any insulation issues have to be identified and fixed before the winter season kicks in. Focus on the attic and exterior walls, as well as the entry doors, windows and skylights. Since these components separate the indoor and outdoor spaces, they must be properly sealed and insulated.
In addition to minimizing skin dryness, a sealed enclosure also prevents warm air from leaking outdoors. This helps reduce the output required from your heating system, which can result in substantial energy savings. The same enclosure can also help reduce the air conditioning load in the summer by blocking outside heat from entering the house. Air conditioning may not consume as much energy as heating, but you should nevertheless see some energy savings.
Use a Humidifier
Since dry air tends to quickly absorb all moisture, you need a humidifier to balance the indoor humidity. There are certain types of humidifiers that can be integrated into your existing HVAC system, helping to ensure that relative indoor humidity levels are just right. This is very important, as too much humidity in your house during winter can promote mold, mildew and bacteria growth, as well as trigger allergies and asthma.
Balanced indoor humidity levels help keep your skin properly hydrated, minimizing dryness, itching and flaking. It can also help reduce flare-ups of existing skin conditions such as eczema, as well as dry nasal passages that can lead to nosebleeds. A certified HVAC technician can help you choose the type of humidifier that works best with your existing heating and cooling system.
Call Schmitt Today
To learn more about humidifiers and HVAC systems, call Schmitt today at (415) 522-0966. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve San Francisco and the surrounding areas. Ask us about our flexible financing options!
