lady laying on floor with puppy

That happy feeling when you take a deep breath of fresh air doesn’t only have to be an outdoor thing. Indoor spaces can get great air quality, too!

We use AC units and furnaces to correct our indoor comfort level, but cleanliness should be equally important. No one wants to breathe dust and mold and other funky smells wafting from your kitchen trash can. Luckily, some quick upgrades to your ductwork can help keep your air healthy.

How It Works: UV Air Purification Light

It kind of like sounds like a mouthful, but UV air purifiers aren’t as mysterious as they might seem. They’re basically special types of lights that work as air cleaners. These versions of ultraviolet rays are used to break up the cell structure of airborne contaminants and remove them from your indoor air. They work great against mold, mildew, and bacteria—plus all those weird home odors that scented candles won’t ever be able to remove.

Some UV lights (also called “germicidal lights”) will even work when your HVAC system isn’t running. This helps ensure that once it’s installed, you can expect an around-the-clock boost in your overall air quality. Because the UV light units are installed right in your ductwork, any air circulating through your system will get treated. And because they don’t have to be compatible with any particular air conditioner or furnace, they’re essentially a universal HVAC upgrade.

No matter what equipment you’re already using, a UV light can be a really smart add-on. They help keep your ductwork clean by killing mold—and yes, even fungi—which can even extend the life of your HVAC equipment and efficiency.

Types of UV Light Air Cleaners

No matter how new or old your home might be, airborne contaminants are always going to be an issue. Air cleaners help you stop the problem from getting worse and let you breathe air that’s nice and clean. Our two favorites are made by Lennox and APCO.

Lennox Healthy Climate UV Light

This air cleaner fights germs without putting any ozone into your home environment. (Other germicidal lights on the market can’t make the same claim.) The Lennox Healthy Climate UV light has also been shown to reduce airborne microorganisms by half, in just 45 minutes.

APCO Fresh-Aire UV Light

This model also reduces bacteria and viruses in your home, helping to eliminate odors for good. A special carbon cell in the APCO system captures the airborne contaminants. It also has a neat method for self-cleaning its inner coil to prevent mold growth.

These UV lights are also great solutions for smaller commercial properties. If your air at the office is a little “off,” you might consider getting one of these units installed. Fresh air can make a big difference in how relaxed and focused your feel throughout the day!

Seasonal Savings for UV Lights

From now until August 31, 2017, we’re offering our Indy-area homeowners a special discount on UV lights. It’s all part of our LCS Heating & Cooling Seasonal Special! We rotate these offers throughout the year to give you great savings on all kinds of home comfort products. Just reach out and schedule your installation before the end of August to get the discount—it’s valid for all new UV air purification light installs.

Any questions in the meantime? Be sure to give our offices a call at (317) 238-3961 or send a message through our Contact Us page. We’d be happy to schedule an in-home consultation to review your current setup and discuss these systems in more detail. Once you make the switch, you’ll be amazed at how refreshing your home's air can be!

employment application

LCS Heating and Cooling, LLC is currently accepting resumes for a Lead Installer position. A minimum of 5 years experience installing furnaces, air conditioners and heat pumps in residential settings is required. Applicants must also live in Indianapolis or immediate surrounding areas.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Accurately and efficiently install furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, humidifiers, ductwork and smart thermostats in residential settings. Light commercial experience is a plus but not required.
  • Complete invoices and collect customer payment.
  • Communicate with customer, install manager and LCS office
  • Effectively able to delegate tasks on the job to install helper
  • Keep van stocked and clean

Other Requirements:

  • Applicants must feel comfortable climbing a ladder
  • Applicants must be able to safely lift at least 75 pounds
  • Applicants must be willing and able to learn company software
  • Must be reliable and able to work some Saturdays during busy seasons
  • Applicants must have a clean driving record and background check

Applicants must want to be a part of a team! We are currently a team that works well together and can count on one another. We're looking for people who want that in a company and in their co-workers. A positive attitude, great sense of humor, interest in longevity and high levels of integrity and honesty are a must!

Benefits:

  • Competitive Hourly Wage
  • Paid Holidays
  • PTO
  • Health Insurance
  • Retirement Plan with Company Match
  • Tool Account
  • Bonus Opportunities
  • Opportunities to learn/perform annual maintenance are available
  • Opportunity to rotate on-call with company vehicle to drive home is available
living room

No one wants to spend more money on their bills. You should only pay for what you need, right? Yet some HVAC setups don’t work that way.

Every now and then, we see homes that consistently waste energy by heating or cooling rooms that you don’t even use. And when that happens, you end up overpaying on your energy bills. If your HVAC system can be organized the right way, you only use what you need. Your home’s warm or cool air can get directed where you actually want it. That way, you won’t get overcharged for your energy usage. The setup is called zoning.

 

About HVAC Whole-Home Zoning

Homes with HVAC zoning can regulate their energy usage much more efficiently. With these setups, your system won’t automatically heat or cool areas of your home that don’t need it. And without zoning? Well, it’s kind of like having every lightbulb in your home turn on when you flip the switch on your bedside lamp. You might only need a couple rooms cooled, but your HVAC is trying to lower the temp everywhere in your home.

Unfortunately, not all homes can be zoned. It just depends on how easily you can access your ductwork (since no one really wants to tear into their walls). But if your home does happen to be a good candidate for zoning, it’s a huge win. Because zoning lets you pick and choose where your heating and cooling efforts actually go, you’ll start raking in the savings right away. The systems themselves are pretty straightforward, too.

To start, your HVAC company would need to come out to analyze your home’s layout. Based on that information and your lifestyle, they’ll be able to designated “zones” for your home. Each zoned section would get its own thermostat to control that area. So, for example, if you don’t want to adjust the temperature in your guest room, a zoning system could be a great way to bypass heating or cooling that space.

 

Good Zoning System Strategies

Questions about why your home is warmer or colder upstairs vs. downstairs are pretty common in the HVAC world. This suggests that a lot of homeowners are already thinking about getting a zoning system before they even realize there’s a name for it! The following scenarios are all good signs that your home might benefit from this kind of setup:

  • Multi-story home
  • High, cathedral ceilings
  • Finished living space in basement or attic
  • Above-garage bonus room or apartment
  • Lots of large windows, and/or sunroom

If you find a lot of temperature swings in different rooms of your home and you have one of the above home features, there’s a good chance zoning would be a smart upgrade—if your ductwork can support it. A consultation with your local HVAC company can help you know for sure.

 

Other HVAC Zoning Benefits

In addition to lower energy bills every month, whole-home zoning systems can also extend the life of your existing HVAC equipment. Lower demand results in less wear and tear on the heating and cooling elements throughout the year—all while getting a more comfortable home.

If you want an even better deal, consider connecting your zoned system with some programmable thermostats. When every aspect of your home’s heating and cooling is energy-efficient, you’ll start seeing some really significant savings. These types of upgrades make your home more desirable too, so even if you end up moving later on, you can still bank a solid ROI.

Got other questions about HVAC zoning? Homeowners in the greater Indianapolis area can always give LCS Heating & Cooling a call. We’d be happy to talk with you over the phone or in-person during an in-home consultation. Contact us today to get your appointment scheduled, and start getting the benefits of whole-home zoning for yourself!

woman on couch with dog looking at ipad

Programmable thermostats are great for busy families or homeowners who spend regular stretches of time away from home. Because these units work around your schedule, it’s basically a “set it and forget it” system. There’s no reason to constantly check the thermostat display if you want to cut back on your energy usage. The latest models do the work for you—as long as they’re programmed the right way.

 

Why Switch to a Programmable Thermostat?

Giving your HVAC system a routine to follow can dramatically cut back on your energy costs. The purpose of a programmable thermostat is to automatically limit your home’s heating and cooling efforts whenever you don’t need them as much. Typically, these settings change based on when you’re at home or away, as well as when you’re sleeping. Get your new thermostat installed right, and it’s pretty easy to live in comfort and save energy at the same time.

 

Setting Your Programmable Thermostat for Summer

The Department of Energy suggests that you keep indoor temps at 78°F when you’re at home in the summertime. Then the “away temperature” can jump up 7 degrees while you’re away. It’s a good goal to aim for if you really want to keep your energy costs down, but we’ve found that it can be somewhat unrealistic for families around Indianapolis.

Oftentimes, a 7-degree temperature spike can be too extreme for your system to make up—which means you might save a few bucks while you're away, but your home won't feel good when you get back. We typically recommend a 3- to 5-degree difference when it's really hot outside (like 90 degrees or more) so your indoor climate actually stays comfortable. So instead of having your home temp at 78°F, you’ll probably want to consider a comfortable base temp that’s 75°F or less.

Once you decide what your home’s “comfort temp” is, your thermostat will be able to adjust to your schedule throughout the day. Programmable thermostats often divide your time into four parts: Wake, Leave, Return, and Sleep. It usually looks something like this:

Wake

The wake setting should be programmed at your family’s comfort level, or slightly above it. Ideally, it will turn on about 30 minutes before you get up in the morning. Let your wake setting stay on for as long as you’re at home. On the weekend, this might be all day. But if you’re consistently out the door by 7:00 on Monday-Friday, you’ll want to let your system know.

Leave

When you’re out of the house in the summer, let your system kick up the temperature about 3 to 5 degrees higher. For the best savings, your leave setting should be programmed to start about 20 or 30 minutes before you head out. This lets your AC get a break when you don’t need it, like if you’re running errands or at the pool.

Return

The return setting tends to be programmed to the same temperature you have for your wake setting. You’ll want your return setting to kick on about 20 to 30 minutes before you get back. That gives your AC system enough time to cool down your home so it’ll be exactly how you like it when you walk through the door.

Sleep

Evening modes in summer should be set about 4 degrees higher than normal settings, but you can always let the temperature go up a few more degrees if you’d like. Just try to program this temperature shift to happen about an hour before bedtime. That will give you the best results before the cycle repeats the next day.

Professional Thermostat Installation

It can take a few weeks to get in sync with your programmable thermostat, so stay with it! Most people have to make a few tweaks along the way, but it’s all worth it once you find the settings and routine that works for you.

If you have any questions about your existing programmable thermostat—or you’re ready to make the switch to an upgraded unit—please contact LCS Heating & Cooling. We’ll give you the scoop on all the latest thermostat models and help you get the perfect system for your home. After your install, we’ll even walk you through all the steps for programming your new thermostat. Working with the experts makes setup a breeze. Call us today to get started!

green and white flowers

People who suffer from seasonal allergies have been hit hard in 2017. Allergy symptoms flared up as early as February, and Indiana Public Media put the blame on our mild winter and early spring weather. So how do you get relief? Load up on allergy meds? Close yourself off to Mother Nature?

There’s no real clear-cut solution, but a lot of homeowners are getting help with whole-home purifiers. Air filters that work around the clock—and in every room—can actually be pretty effective against your toughest allergens.

 

Air Cleaners vs. Pollen

It would be awesome to have a magic wand that could take away all the pollen in your home. (We’d even be happy with one to get rid of dust!) Of course, this “magic solution” doesn’t exist. Pollen and allergens are part of life and the changing seasons. But having a whole-home air cleaner can help you manage the issues.

You see, the challenge with pollen is that the particles are a lot larger than other airborne contaminants. This means that any pollen from outside often settles in your home—on your bookshelf, couch, windowsill, you name it—before getting carried through to your air filter. But regular vacuuming, dusting, or just walking around your home can then stir these particles into the air again. The upside to this is having an in-duct particle removal system. Having the right air cleaner can help you remove those airborne pollen and dust particles, germs and bacteria, and even odors in your home’s air.

 

Benefits of Whole-Home Air Purifiers

Typically called whole-home purifiers, these units actually do a great job at removing larger airborne particles. The EPA even notes that high-efficiency filters are good at capturing pollen, dust, dust mites, animal dander, and certain molds.

The real benefit of whole-home air cleaners is that they help address air quality issues everywhere in your home. Unlike portable units, you’re not limited to one room. Because in-duct units connect right to your furnace, they’re able to treat the air as it cycles throughout your home. With these kinds of systems, it’s a lot easier to tackle tough air problems whenever they arise.

 

Lennox PureAirTM Systems

When it comes to indoor air purifiers, we love working with the Lennox PureAir systems for homeowners. Because they filter your air in multiple stages, you’re able to address the top three airborne issues in your home. This includes airborne particles, germs and bacteria, and chemical odors. These systems come with a lot of other perks, too:

  • Whole-Home Application
  • Reduces and destroys ozone
  • Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV): MERV-16
  • Compatible with all HVAC system types
  • 5-Year Limited Warranty on covered components

The Lennox PureAir Cleaner also uses a carbon catalyst filter and UV bulbs. The UV light cleaners are key for these units because they kill bacteria and mold when the air passes through your system. You can even get a Lennox UV Light on its own—without the full PureAir system. The UV light installs directly on the furnace and goes to work right away.

All in all, air cleaners can offer some great benefits for homeowners who are serious about kicking their allergy issues and finding some relief. When your indoor air is regularly cleaned and fresh, it’s a lot easier to kick back and relax!

 

If you’ve been struggling with allergies this season or poor indoor air quality, give LCS a call. We’re always happy to consult with Indy-area homeowners on the best units for their lifestyle! Plus, we’ve got some great deals going for UV Air Purification Lights, available now through August 31, 2017.

pile of cash

The ENERGY STAR label is pretty recognizable, but that blue and white logo is more than just a pretty sticker. It’s proof from the EPA that a product is in the top tier for efficiency. And that means big savings on running your home appliances.

The label’s real goal is to help consumers identify energy-efficient products. Since the program’s inception in 1992, ENERGY STAR has helped people save an estimated $430 billion on their utility bills. But do you know what those savings actually mean for your own annual expenses?

About the Ratings

As a general rule, the ENERGY STAR label is awarded to the top quarter of products on the market. Put another way— an air conditioning unit that qualifies for the ENERGY STAR certification typically ranks in the top 25% for energy efficiency. This classification helps tell consumers which products might have a better long-term value.

You see, it’s not just about the upfront costs on major home appliances. You also have to consider how much it will cost to run the equipment every day and every year. In that sense, ENERSY STAR appliances are a lot like cars with low gas mileage. Two vehicles might cost the same on paper, but the one that can get 5 or even 7 more miles to the gallon might be a better option because it’s less expensive to run. Saving on energy costs is always better for your bottom line.

Savings with ENERGY STAR Appliances

The latest technology makes a big difference with efficiency. Check the numbers and it’s easy to see—opting for ENERGY STAR appliances is a great way to lower your utility bill every season.

Laundry Machines and Dishwashers

New “smart” features allow your machines to use less energy (and less water) when cleaning your clothes and dishes. And you still get a good clean! Laundry machines that qualify for the ENERGY STAR label require 40 to 50% less energy, and dishwashers work with 41% less energy (compared to the federal minimum standards).

Refrigerators and Freezers

Better insulation and more accurate temperature readings make these ENERGY STAR products big winners. Qualified refrigerators use at least 15% less energy, and qualified freezers use at least 10% less energy than what the current federal standards require.

Heating and Cooling

Roughly 50% of your home’s total energy costs are spent on heating and cooling. Choosing high-efficiency models can help knock down the total on your utility bills and give you some pretty noticeable savings month-to-month. ENERGY STAR air conditioners, for example, are typically 15% more efficient than other standard units.

Smart Thermostats

Pre-programed settings and WiFi features help keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient 24/7. Although the ENERGY STAR specification for programmable thermostats is no longer active, installing a “smart” thermostat is easily one of the best home upgrades you can make. Homeowners can save an estimated $180 every year on their energy costs just by making the switch to a newer model.

More Ways to Save

Your ENERGY STAR appliances aren’t just helping your lower your utility bills—they can also give you credit on your taxes. Whether you’ve upgraded some windows or doors in your home, or just swapped out your dishwasher for a newer, more efficient model, be sure to claim those credits on your taxes.

ENERGY STAR qualified central air conditioning units can give you a $300 tax credit, and the same goes for high-efficiency heat pumps. Qualified gas furnaces will get you a $150 tax credit. Check out this overview on 2016 benefits for more information. It’s another great perk of efficient equipment!

And remember: The high-efficiency ratings on your HVAC equipment heavily rely on annual maintenance. Wiring and electrical parts need to be regularly tested to make sure they’re running at peak efficiency. If you haven’t already scheduled your spring system tune-up, be sure to give LCS a call at (317) 238-3961. Our team would be happy to help you out!

hands holding a phone above a laptop

Dry air in the wintertime drags on and on, even long after the snow melts. It’s just how the season works. But there is an easy way to reverse the dry air issues. A lot of homeowners opt for a whole-house humidifier. It’s an affordable way to get quality indoor air for your family year-round!

What does a whole-house humidifier do?

Like the name suggests—these units take care of the air everywhere in your home. Instead of treating one small area, a whole-house humidifier gives you relief in every single room. It adds just the right amount of moisture back to your air. This can make a big difference in your day-to-day life.

A humidifier helps adjust your home’s dry air. By increasing your relative humidity, the unit:

  • Keeps your skin soft in winter
  • Improves your immune system
  • Reduces allergy symptoms
  • Protects your wood flooring, artwork, and instruments
  • Minimizes annoying static shocks

Another benefit of having an appropriate humidity level is that it can improve your home’s energy efficiency. Dry air can make your home feel colder than it actually is. But when you add a little moisture back to your air, it helps you regulate your indoor temperature better. Most people feel more comfortable, so they can save on their energy costs instead of cranking up the heat.

What’s the best humidifier for my home?

Choosing the best whole-house humidifier for your family all depends on your home’s size and layout. Steam humidifiers and evaporative humidifiers have similar results, but get installed differently. A technician will need to come out to discuss your setup with you.

We primarily install Aprilaire whole-home humidifiers, but we’ve also worked with Lennox and Honeywell humidifier units. The latest systems are great because they self-regulate. You don’t really have to monitor or check the settings since they’re all automatic. The set-it-and-forget-it control options give you all the benefits of a healthy home humidity level with zero hassle. It’s the perfect fix for dry winter air.

How much does a whole-house humidifier cost?

A lot of people are surprised to learn about how affordable whole-house humidifiers are. It’s a relatively tiny upgrade because the unit works with your existing ductwork and HVAC system. But it still makes a big impact! (Kind of like getting whipped cream on your hot chocolate.)

In general, $700-$920 is the range for regularly-priced bypass and powered humidifiers. If you decide to go with a steam unit, the price is higher because there’s additional work that has to be done with the install.

The great thing about our humidifiers is that installation is already included in the package price. Our pricing is flat rate, so your humidifier package has everything you need to get set up. But even better—at LCS Heating & Cooling, we like to run seasonal specials. If you want to get a great deal on your whole-house system, just reach out to hear the latest savings options.

LCS Humidifier Service and Installation

The first few months of the year are often the best time to get your whole-house humidifier installed. A lot of homeowners want to use their tax rebates on practical home upgrades, and these units are definitely a smart option—especially with the seasonal savings.

Our current LCS Humidifier Special runs through March 31, 2017. Any customers in our greater Indianapolis service area get 15% off their installation. New and current Energy Savings Plan customers will get 25% off their whole-house humidifier installation. Pretty sweet, right?

Improving your family’s air quality is a surefire way to kick the winter blues and get ready for spring. Taking care of your dry air issues now means you’ll be all set for the end of the year and next winter. (And any dry skin and sore throat issues that come with it.) Any other questions on how these systems work? Get your consultation scheduled today to learn more!

little kid sitting on couch with dog

Indoor air quality in winter can leave a lot to be desired. It’s easy to tell when our home’s temperature is too cold, but what about when the air gets too dry or dirty? Being cooped up inside can make us forget what clean air is actually like.

This time of year, it helps to check a few filters around your home. (That’s right—there’s more than just one air filter!) Get these areas cleaned up now, and you should be able to breathe easy until spring.

1. HVAC Air Filter

It’s important to replace your air filter consistently year-round, but this is even truer in the colder months. Furnaces get a lot of use in winter, and a dirty filter will only make it harder for your system to cycle air. Replacing your filter can help keep your HVAC unit from over-working itself.

Most homes that use 1" filters (and especially ones with pets) need to swap out their filters monthly. Homes with media filters (4"-5" filters) don't need to be changed as often, but should still be checked every 6 months. This helps prevent dust from clogging your system. So when the heat kicks in, your indoor air quality should be nice and fresh. Plus, clean filters can improve your unit’s efficiency in winter. You get cleaner air—and a lower energy bill.

2. Kitchen Range Hood Filter

For the home chefs out there, if this filter isn’t already on your cleaning rotation, add it now. This quick chore can help a lot with lingering food odors—especially in winter. Baking cookies is great, but we don’t want every smell from the kitchen to linger forever!

Cleaning these filter screens is pretty straightforward. You just find the screens under your range hood, pop them off, and wash them in your sink. Mix extra hot water with de-greasing dish soap and let the filters soak for 5-10 minutes. Then grab a plastic brush and start scrubbing. Rinse thoroughly, and let the filters air dry. They should only be re-installed when completely dry, so don't rush the process if they're even slightly wet. Once they’re squeaky clean, you should be able to save time by washing them monthly in the dishwasher.

3. Bathroom Exhaust Fan

The ventilation system in your bathroom also deserves some attention. While the fan may not have a “filter” in it per say, it still works to keep your home air clean. It draws out moisture and helps prevent mold and mildew from creeping around your shower space. Inspect the exhaust cover regularly to keep the airway clear.

To clean your bathroom vent, all you need is a vacuum with a dusting brush attachment. Make sure the fan is off (or flip the circuit breaker) and pull the vent fan cover down from the ceiling. There will probably be a couple clips holding the fan cover in place. Just move those aside to detach it. Then carefully vacuum around the fan and motor, and detail-clean the grille cover itself. Replace the cover, and you’re done!

If you have a whole house humidifier, there's an additional filter you need to check this season. Most whole home humidifiers have a filter pad that needs to be changed once a year. It can be easy to forget! But when you’re an Energy Savings Plan member with LCS Heating & Cooling, we can take care of the filter replacement for you. It’s an easy option to add to your annual maintenance visit.

For any other HVAC repairs or air quality issues you might have this winter, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We pride ourselves on our customer service and are always happy to help with your air quality and heating questions!

frozen grapes hanging from a tree

When the forecast calls for freezing temperatures and snow, we get a lot of homeowners in the Indianapolis area wondering if they need to winterize their outdoor AC units. The quick answer is this: You really don’t.

Top 3 Myths for AC Winterization

Most people think they need to winterize their AC unit, but you’re actually better off just doing a quick check around their unit. Remove those piles of leaves, check for any obvious damage, and you’re pretty much good to go until spring.

Tip 1: It’s okay to leave the AC power on.

There are lots of AC winterization tips online that talk about turning the unit’s power off. Usually this isn’t even necessary. You might want to take this step if you already know how to disconnect the power—but don’t worry about it if you’re unsure. The only thing it does is keep your unit from kicking on during those unexpected warm days in winter. For the average homeowner, it’s totally fine to keep the AC power on in winter.

Tip 2: You don’t have to clear the snow around your AC unit.

Sometimes cleaning up your AC unit’s area is more trouble than it’s worth. Too many well-meaning homeowners have actually damaged their unit while trying to protect it. This tends to happen when clearing off snow or ice with a shovel, which can accidentally break wires. The same thing happens when weedeaters get too close to the AC unit in the warmer months.

Of course, it’s important to take this winterization tip with a grain of salt. You obviously don’t want a bush growing right into your AC unit. If plants are crowding your unit, take care when you trim them back. Clearing leaves and smaller twigs is also a smart move. Winter winds can blow them into your unit, and the freezing temperatures, snow, and slush can end up trapping the debris. You want to make sure your unit is free from any materials when you turn it back on in the spring. A quick sweep around the AC unit should be all you need before the big snowfalls hit.

Tip 3: There’s no reason to have an AC cover—unless you like the look.

Using a cover for your AC unit isn’t necessary for winterization, but some people still prefer to use it. At LCS, we’re happy to install covers for customers who request them. Some people just like how the cover looks. Others like to use covers because they help keep leaves and debris out. Just note: Heat pumps should never be covered. Because those types of units work year-round, homes with heat pumps usually keep them running throughout the colder months.

What’s more important is that you just check all around your unit to make sure you don’t see any visible damage. Any cracks and breaks in the unit can worsen when temperatures drop. Fixing those issues now can help ensure that your unit will be in good working order when you’re ready to use it again. That way, you’ll be all set for every season!

If you happen to need any HVAC repairs in the Indianapolis area, the LCS Heating & Cooling experts are here to help! Just call (317) 238-3961 for year-round assistance on all your HVAC repairs, installs, and questions.

little kid laying on moms lap

We know cold and flu season is right around the bend when the leaves fall and the temperatures drop. But before you start stocking up on tissues, take a minute to review your home. Research shows that your indoor environment can make a big impact on your seasonal influenza risks.

Chapped lips and static shocks are some of the first signs of having dry air indoors. Before long, other health concerns can flare up too. How we feel during the colder months is greatly influenced by our air quality at home. A healthy humidity level can go a long way in keeping your immune system strong.

Low Humidity Effects on Children

Here in Indiana, we usually view humidity as a nuisance. After dealing with high humidity levels in the summer, we often want to be rid of it during the colder months. In reality, having some humidity is healthy in the autumn and winter. It can be really hard for our bodies to feel at their best when indoor humidity levels drop below 40 or 30 percent. Without the right air system in place, these changes can be pretty intense—especially for infants and young children.

All around the world, seasonal changes in humidity tend to impact children more. Because their bodies are less effective at adapting to ambient humidity and other exposures, children are often more susceptible to humidity-related health issues. A recent review of 37 different studies revealed that humidity directly relates to “childhood asthma and other pediatric allergic diseases.” In countries and populations all over the globe, instances of relatively high humidity—and low humidity—both had an impact on children’s health.

It’s easy for kids to have health issues when moisture in the air isn’t quite balanced. One study in Greece showed a 31% increase in childhood asthma-related admissions during a 10% jump in humidity. Interestingly enough, the opposite also seems to be true. In Japan, emergency visits for childhood asthma increased when humidity levels had a rapid decrease. The same thing happened in Western Europe. Over there, children’s asthma symptoms spiked during the lowest monthly average of relative humidity. Not surprisingly, low humidity was also connected to eczema in Taiwanese schoolchildren. Dry skin, scratchy throats, and higher flu risks are all common side effects of low humidity levels.

Other Health Concerns with Dry Air

We’ve long understood that our skin gets irritated when exposed to dry air, but we sometimes forget that this happens indoors, as well as outside. Whenever humidity levels are low, dry air tends to draw out moisture from the nearest source. Typically, this is our bodies. Some people might feel that their eyes are dry or irritated, but it’s often our skin that takes the biggest hit. That’s often why we want to use so much lotion in the colder months. As the dry air pulls water from our skin, we think that using certain products will help our body retain its natural moisture. Of course, the underlying issue is humidity. Dry air also makes our nose and nasal passageways dry. For those already prone to asthma, this can make wintertime a real bummer.

One good thing about low humidity is that dust mites don’t do well in it. Unfortunately, this comes with its own set of problems. While indoor allergens might be lower in low humidity, our risk factor is significantly raised because our mucous membranes become dehydrated. The throat and nasal areas lose their natural barrier to airborne infections, and they’re unable to filter air like they normally do. All this puts us at higher risk for illness. So even if there aren’t lots of dust mites, the ones that are around are more likely to flare up allergies.

A dry upper respiratory tract also makes it more difficult to breathe comfortably. Some people experience nosebleeds in low humidity. Dry indoor air can also disrupt sleep and cause others to start snoring. Again—we tend to think of humidity as a bad thing in the hot and sticky summer months, but in the wintertime, a little humidity is a huge asset. Having some moisture in the air helps us breathe easier and makes it harder for airborne infections to migrate. The other problem with low humidity is that it makes areas feel colder than they really are. Without the moisture in the air, you might even be tempted to crank up the heat even higher—which only exacerbates the problem. You skin will just dry out even more in dry air, making you feel even worse.

Feeling Better with Indoor Humidity

The first step in feeling better in cold autumn days and through winter is to stay hydrated. The dry air outside will continue to affect your skin and respiratory system—even if your air indoors is at the proper humidity level. Drinking plenty of water shouldn’t stop just because the temperature drops. Of course, it’s fine to moisturize if you’re experiencing dry or itchy skin, but maintaining an indoor humidity level of 30 to 40 percent often seems to be the best fix. When your skin feels soft, you’ll be less likely to irritate it by scratching—this is something to watch for in little ones especially.

In order to keep a comfortable home humidity level year-round, a lot of families will opt to install a whole-home humidifier. These units are great because they work with your existing HVAC systems to deliver properly hydrated air throughout your home. That way, your humidity levels won’t fluctuate from room to room, and you can enjoy better sleep—free from dry air—in the colder months. Plus, they only turn on whenever your indoor humidity drops below a set level, so there’s no guess-work

In a lot of ways, these units are a no-brainer. Because they hook right up with your other air systems, you don’t even have to think about replacing parts or refilling reservoirs every day. They can help you breathe better and even give your body’s immune system a natural advantage during the typical “dry air” months. By protecting your respiratory system with the right humidity, you’ll be better able to ward off any illnesses that might be floating around this season—both for yourself and the ones you love.