Dry Indoor Air Is the Last Thing Your Christmas Tree Needs This Season

Friends, family, great food, festive decorations, warm memories, and holiday traditions like your family’s annual Christmas tree all make the holidays so special.

But there’s one thing that can affect your holiday cheer—and your comfort level: dry indoor air.

During the colder months in Chicagoland, homeowners turn up the heat to stay cozy all winter. The only problem is that indoor heating comes with a by-product that can make you less comfortable: dry indoor air.

Low humidity can decrease your comfort and quality of life, and even shorten your holiday tree’s lifespan, making it drop far more needles than you’d like.

In this blog, we’ll explain how dry indoor air impacts your home and your holiday tree, and give you tips to bring moisture (and your holiday spirit) back.

Why Is Indoor Air Dry in Winter?

Before we show you how to remedy dry indoor air, let’s first take a look at the “why” behind low humidity in winter.

Outdoor air is naturally drier

Cold air in the summer has less moisture in it than warm, summer air. In winter, the cold air naturally dries out, and when you bring it into your home, that low humidity level often stays with it.

• Heating systems draw out more moisture.
• Your furnace or boiler does a great job keeping you warm and cozy, but they also pull more moisture from the air as they run.
• Most homes have poor humidity control.

During the cold winter months, many homes don’t have the right equipment to control the humidity levels in their homes, so the air can become drier and more uncomfortable as the temperature outside continues to fall.

All of this leads to indoor humidity levels that can impact more than just your holiday tree. Low humidity is also bad for your comfort and that of your family.

The Effects of Dry Indoor Air on Your Christmas Tree

If dry indoor air persists in your home, your lush, pine-scented Christmas tree will be the first to suffer.

Needles drop too early.

The tree’s needles become dry and brittle much more quickly, and shed from the tree far earlier than you’d like.

The tree can’t absorb enough moisture.

The dry air will evaporate the moisture from the tree faster than it can take in water, even if you keep the tree stand full at all times.

It is a fire hazard.

A dry tree is more likely to catch on fire, making your holiday season (and family) much less safe. Throw in holiday electrical lights, and you could have a serious safety hazard on your hands.

If your tree has started to look dry and brown, long before Christmas is over, it might be due to low humidity.

Dry Indoor Air’s Impact on Your Comfort

Your Christmas tree may be the most visible victim of low indoor humidity, but you and your family’s comfort will be affected, too.

Dry skin and irritation

If the air is dry, your skin can feel dry, itchy, flaky, and may even crack.

Breathing and respiratory problems

The air can also irritate your nose and throat, making you feel more rundown, and leaving you susceptible to winter colds and flus.

Static shocks

Dry air also increases static electricity, leaving you with annoying small shocks every time you touch your bed sheets or walk across the carpet.

It’s no fun feeling uncomfortable in your own home, even if your thermostat is set to a cozy 70°F. The low humidity will make your home feel colder than it is, less comfortable to be in, and could even lead to health problems.

Signs You Have Dry Indoor Air

Wondering if you have dry indoor air in your home? There are some telltale signs to look for, including:

Dry air symptoms

Itchy, dry skin that just won’t go away, sore throats, nosebleeds, and dry eyes can all be signs of or made worse by low humidity.

Christmas tree loses needles

One of the first things you may notice if your air is too dry is that your Christmas tree begins dropping needles much earlier in the season than in past years.

Wood furniture or musical instruments get damaged

Wood furniture, floors, and musical instruments are more prone to damage or go out of tune when the air is too dry.

Trust your nose—and eyes—when it comes to dry air. Its impact is noticeable on both your holiday decor and how you or your family are feeling.

How to Combat Dry Indoor Air This Winter

The good news is there are easy, effective ways to combat dry indoor air and keep your tree and family comfortable all season long.

Add a whole-home humidifier

The best way to fight dry air is to add a whole-home humidifier that connects to your HVAC system and automatically helps maintain ideal humidity levels throughout your home.

Opt for portable humidifiers

If you don’t want a whole-home system, there are many small, portable humidifiers you can place in your bedrooms or living room.

Keep your Christmas tree well-watered

Also, make sure your tree stand has plenty of water every day to slow needle drop and moisture loss. Try placing a humidifier near your tree, too.

Lower your thermostat a few degrees

You can also reduce the effects of dry air by heating your home less to keep moisture from evaporating.

Bring in houseplants

Houseplants are a natural humidifier, and can add a little greenery and life to your home in the dead of winter.

If you’re not sure if your home has the right humidity level, there are indoor hygrometers you can buy to measure the humidity in your home. The ideal relative humidity is between 35% and 45%.

We’re Here to Help You Beat Dry Indoor Air

Don’t let dry indoor air be the thing that saps your holiday cheer and makes your Christmas trees drop needles. Not only does proper humidity help preserve your holiday decor, it can also help keep your home (and family) healthier and more comfortable all winter long.

Here at American Vintage Home, we’re experts in indoor air quality solutions like whole-home humidifiers and dehumidifiers that work with your existing HVAC system to keep your home the best it can be, year-round.

Whether you want to get your home equipped with a whole-home humidifier or you just have some questions about whole-home humidifiers, our team can help. Contact American Vintage Home today to schedule an indoor air quality assessment or learn more about our whole-home humidifier installation.