⏱️ Read Time 5 min.
Low humidity can make a 72° home feel closer to 65°—without changing the thermostat.

Why Your Home Feels Cold Even When the Thermostat Says It's Warm: The Hidden Role of Humidity

Have you ever cranked up the heat in your home, only to still feel chilly? The thermostat reads a comfortable 74 degrees, but you're reaching for a sweater or blanket anyway. This frustrating issue is very common during winter months, especially in places like Springfield, MO, where cold snaps bring very low outdoor moisture levels.

The main problem is low indoor humidity, which is made worse by winter heating. Most homes use forced-air furnaces that heat and move air—but they don’t add moisture. Winter air is already very dry, and when it’s heated inside, humidity levels can drop as low as 10–30%. Dry air pulls moisture from your skin faster, which makes your body lose heat more quickly. That’s why your home can feel colder than the thermostat reading.

Simply put, dry air makes heat leave your body faster. When humidity is kept between 30% and 50%, heat stays around you longer, making the same temperature feel warmer and more comfortable.

Comfort guidelines referenced by ASHRAE and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency show that proper indoor humidity can make a home feel 4–7 degrees warmer without raising the thermostat. That means your furnace doesn’t have to run as often or work as hard to maintain comfort, which can help reduce energy use.

Low humidity brings other winter problems too: dry, itchy skin; chapped lips; frequent static shocks; cracked wood furniture or floors; irritated sinuses; and even worsened allergies or respiratory issues. In Springfield's typically cold and dry winters, these complaints are widespread among homeowners.

Understanding the Humidity Factor

Humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air. For indoor comfort, aim for relative humidity between 30% and 50%—this range supports both thermal comfort and health without risking issues like condensation or mold. In winter, heating systems exacerbate dryness because they heat already-low-moisture air, lowering relative humidity further.

This isn't just a feeling—it's physics. Dry air enhances evaporative cooling on your skin, while higher humidity improves heat retention and reduces that rapid chill. Maintaining balanced humidity can enhance perceived warmth, protect your home's interior (like preventing wood shrinkage), and improve overall air quality by reducing airborne irritants.

How Humidifiers Can Help Restore Comfort

The solution is straightforward: add controlled moisture with a whole-home humidifier. These systems integrate with your HVAC setup to distribute humidified air evenly throughout the house—no refilling portable units or dealing with one-room limitations. They maintain consistent levels automatically, improving comfort, health, and even your heating efficiency.

At SS&B Heating & Cooling, we offer reliable whole-home humidifiers from trusted brands like AprilAire and Trane, tailored for homes in Springfield, MO, and surrounding areas. Here's a breakdown of popular options:

  • Steam Humidifiers: These generate steam for precise, high-capacity humidification, ideal for larger homes or those with short furnace run times.
    • AprilAire Model 800: Up to 34.6 gallons per day; covers up to 6,200 square feet in tightly built homes. Features automatic digital control with dual sensors, high-contrast screen, and easy maintenance (replace canister yearly, electrodes every 3 years). Made in the USA; 5-year warranty.
    • Trane Steam Humidifier: Up to 34.6 gallons per day; covers up to 5,200 square feet. Delivers balanced moisture, protects furnishings, with annual canister replacement prompted by a service light. 10-year warranty.
  • Fan-Powered Humidifiers: Include a built-in fan to push moisture through ducts effectively, even when the furnace isn't constantly running—great for medium-to-large homes.
    • AprilAire Model 700 (including 700M): Up to 18 gallons per day. High-capacity with optional digital or manual controls. Made in the USA; 5-year warranty.
    • Trane Fan-Powered Humidifier: Up to 18 gallons per day (around 16.8 in some specs); covers up to 4,200 square feet. Operates independently for consistent moisture; 10-year warranty.
  • Bypass Humidifiers: Use your HVAC's airflow to evaporate water—cost-effective and reliable for many homes.
    • AprilAire Model 600 (including 600M): Up to 17 gallons per day; suits medium-to-large homes. Efficient with optional auto/manual settings. Made in the USA; 5-year warranty.
    • AprilAire Model 500 (including 500M): Up to 12 gallons per day; ideal for smaller homes. Helps maintain ideal levels for comfort and air quality. Made in the USA; 5-year warranty.
    • Trane Bypass Humidifier: Up to 18 gallons per day; covers up to 4,200 square feet. Seamlessly integrates for balanced humidity and better indoor environment; 10-year warranty.

These humidifiers come with strong warranties and U.S.-made quality for lasting performance. Installing one can make your home feel warmer instantly, ease dry-skin issues, protect woodwork, reduce static, and let you lower the thermostat slightly for energy savings.

Additional Tips for Better Indoor Air Quality

Humidity control is key in winter, but year-round balance matters too. For summer excess moisture, a whole-home dehumidifier like Trane's model (up to 15 gallons per day, covering 3,000 square feet) removes humidity while optional ventilation enhances air exchange.

The Trane FreshEffects Energy Recovery Ventilator (up to 4,500 square feet) or Envirowise Inline Ventilator (up to 3,500 square feet) brings in fresh outdoor air while managing humidity, odors, and pollutants—perfect for tightly sealed homes. Regular HVAC maintenance from SS&B ensures everything works efficiently.

Take Action for a Cozier Home

Look, if your house feels chilly even though the thermostat says it’s plenty warm, low humidity from your heating system is almost certainly the reason. The good news? Adding a whole-home humidifier can completely change how your home feels this winter—it’ll make you more comfortable, help with dry skin and sinuses, and even let your furnace work a little less hard so you save on energy.

Ready to fix it? Head over to our indoor air quality page to check out the different humidifier options we carry and see what else we offer to improve your home’s air. Or just give us a call or shoot us a message—we’d love to come out, take a look at your setup, and recommend the perfect solution for your house.

We’re right here in Springfield and love helping local homeowners stay cozy and healthy all winter long. Let’s get your humidity balanced so your home finally feels as warm as the thermostat promises!

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Categories:
Air Handlers,Furnaces And Heaters,Heat Pumps,Humidifiers,Tips