Winter heating saps moisture from air

Q: I have a forced-air furnace (gas) that heats the house through an air-duct system, as well as supplemental heat from a small gas heater in each room. Needless to say, the air in the house gets pretty dry in the coldest part of winter, enough that the slightest brush of my nose will set off a nosebleed. And we always have dry throats and dry skin. Is there any way to remedy this dry air? — Joyce in New Hampshire

A: Forced-air furnaces and gas heaters (that radiate heat into a given space) tend to sap moisture from the air. In midwinter, when the air outside is often crisp, dry and cold, the air inside the house can be very dry. This kind of air can dry sinus passages — actually increasing the risk of catching a cold — and make hands feel like sandpaper. It also can exacerbate breathing problems in those who have respiratory issues. So, preventing or reducing super-dry air inside homes is important. Fortunately, there are a few ways to do this.

“Run a humidifier in sleeping areas overnight to make breathing easier and help occupants get a good night’s sleep.

“If the radiant gas heaters have a flat top surface, place a metal or porcelain bowl filled with water on top of them and allow the heat to convert the water to steam, bringing some moisture into the room.

“Make herbal tea — boiling the water will release lots of steam into the kitchen, and you can hover over the teacup, breathing in the steam.

“When you’re done taking a bath, leave the water in the tub until it is completely cool. This allows the steam from the hot water to increase the moisture content of the air.

“Drink plenty of water — it’s good for you and will help your body regulate its temperature and keep sinuses and skin from getting too dry.

“Moisturize once or twice a day, immediately after a bath or just before bed, to soften skin and hold in existing moisture.