· By Diego Gómez
Is the air in your home too dry this winter? Signs and fixes
Static shocks, dry skin and a scratchy throat in winter often mean low indoor humidity. How to check it and fix it without causing window frost.
When outdoor air at −15 °C is heated to 21 °C indoors, its relative humidity drops sharply. That's why Canadian homes get so dry in January.
Common signs
- Static shocks when you touch door handles.
- Dry, itchy skin and chapped lips.
- A dry or scratchy throat in the morning.
- Wooden floors or furniture with new gaps.
Check before you buy anything
A cheap hygrometer tells you the real number. Health Canada's general guidance is about 30–50%; in very cold weather, the lower end avoids frost on windows.
Fixes
- A humidifier with a humidity sensor, set to around 35–40%.
- Clean it regularly as the manual says.
- Turn it down if windows start to fog or frost.
This is general information, not medical advice. If symptoms persist, talk to a health professional.
Recommended
DREO 4 L humidifier
- 4 L
- up to 300 sq ft
- 28 dB
Quiet bedroom humidifier with a humidity setting and top fill.
Levoit OasisMist 1000S (10 L)
- 10 L
- up to 600 sq ft
- app, humidity sensor, top fill
Big-tank smart humidifier for living rooms and open-plan spaces, with a humidity sensor so it doesn't overdo it.
Homvana 3.6 L humidifier
- 3.6 L
- auto shut-off, night light, aroma tray
Simple and affordable humidifier for a bedroom or nursery.
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