Winter in Anchorage brings long nights, extreme cold, and homes sealed up tight to keep the heat in. While that keeps you warm, it also creates a common indoor problem many Alaska families deal with every year: dry air. Dry air challenges in Alaska are different from those in the lower 48. With long heating seasons and extreme cold, indoor air quality should be approached with care and with local knowledge of the environment.
When outdoor temperatures drop, indoor air loses moisture quickly. Heating systems run longer, humidity levels fall, and suddenly your home feels uncomfortable in ways that go beyond temperature. Dry skin, irritated sinuses, and restless sleep are often signs that indoor air quality needs attention.
Why Winter Air in Alaska Is So Dry
Cold air naturally holds less moisture than warm air. Once that air is heated inside your home, humidity levels can drop well below what’s considered healthy.
According to industry and health standards, the ideal indoor humidity level for most homes is between 30 and 50 percent. During Alaska winters, many homes fall well below that range, sometimes dropping into the low 20s or even teens. At those levels, comfort and health issues become much more noticeable.
How Dry Indoor Air Affects Your Health
Low humidity doesn’t just feel uncomfortable. It can impact how your body functions throughout the winter season. There are many hidden effects of dry air in your home. When indoor humidity drops below 30 percent, people are more likely to experience:
- Dry, itchy, or cracked skin
- Chapped lips and irritated eyes
- Nosebleeds and sinus discomfort
- Increased allergy or asthma symptoms
- Scratchy throat or lingering cough
- Difficulty sleeping due to dry nasal passages
Dry air also allows viruses to survive longer in indoor environments, which is one reason colds and respiratory illnesses tend to spread more easily during winter months.
How Dry Air Affects Your Home
Your home feels the impact of low humidity, too. Humidity levels below 30 percent can contribute to:
- Static electricity buildup
- Shrinking or cracking wood floors and furniture
- Gaps around doors, trim, and cabinetry
- More dust is circulating through the air
These issues can make your home feel colder and cause your heating system to run longer, even when the thermostat is set correctly.
4 Ways to Maintain Healthier Humidity Levels Indoors
The goal during winter is to keep humidity within that 30 to 50 percent range, without creating excess moisture that could lead to condensation or frost on windows.
Here are a few effective ways to get there:
1. Change Air Filters Regularly
Clean air filters support proper airflow and reduce the amount of dry dust circulating through your home. This helps your heating system perform better and supports healthier indoor air quality.
2. Use a Portable or Whole Home Humidifier
Humidifiers are one of the most effective tools for combating dry air. Whole-home humidifiers work directly with your heating system to maintain consistent humidity throughout the house, even during extended cold snaps. If interested, our team can walk you through some options!
Portable humidifiers can help individual rooms, but often struggle to keep up with whole-house needs in Alaska winters.
3. Seal Drafts and Air Leaks
Cold, dry air entering through windows, doors, and crawl spaces quickly lowers indoor humidity. These are just the top areas where your home can lose heat. Sealing leaks helps stabilize moisture levels and reduces strain on your heating system.
4. Schedule Heating System Maintenance
A properly maintained heating system promotes balanced airflow and helps maintain more consistent indoor conditions. Maintenance also gives professionals a chance to spot air quality issues before they affect comfort or health.
Take Action Before Dry Air Becomes a Problem
If your home feels uncomfortable or your family is dealing with dry air symptoms, checking your indoor humidity level is a smart first step. Small adjustments can make a big difference in comfort, health, and how your home feels throughout the winter season.
Diamond Heating is always here to help our neighbors stay comfortable and breathe easier all winter long. Contact us if you have any further questions or wish to schedule a home consultation!
