Arizona is naturally dry to begin with, and winter can be even dryer. Running your central heating system during those chilly nights will remove even more precious moisture from the air. While purchasing a humidifier can help, there are several low- or no-cost alternatives that can also be quite effective at improving indoor humidity.

How to Add Moisture to the Air During the Winter

1. Use Stovetop Cooking Rather Than the Oven

Much like your central heating system, using the oven will dry out the air. On the other hand, cooking on the stovetop can help increase indoor humidity, particularly when your meal planning involves boiling water. Whether you're preparing a pot of tea or pasta, the steam that's released in the food prep process will help offset the dryness of the air.

2. Air-Dry Laundry

Rather than running the clothes dryer, consider hanging up your clothes and linens on an indoor clothesline or drying rack. While this takes longer, the clothes will release their moisture into the air as they naturally dry. 

You'll also save on energy expenses by not running the dryer. Use a similar approach with your dishwasher, opening it after its final rinse cycle to allow steam to escape into the home.

3. Keep the Bathroom Door Open

Showers and baths produce a lot of steam, but that moisture tends to get limited to the bathroom. If you can sacrifice a bit of privacy, leave the bathroom door open when taking showers. Rather than building up inside the bathroom, where it can facilitate mildew growth, the moist air will circulate throughout the house to increase indoor humidity.
 

Whether you need a new central heating system or air conditioning repair, you’ll get top-quality help from Just Chillin Air Conditioning & Heating in Mesa, AZ. Serving the Maricopa County area for over 10 years, this customer-focused HVAC contractor backs all work with a satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about what they can do for your central heating system, visit them online or call (602) 318-9944.