How Arizona’s Low Humidity Levels Impact Indoor Comfort
If you live in the Phoenix or Sun City area, you already know that South-Central Arizona’s climate is unique. With sunshine nearly year-round and very little rainfall, our state offers a dry desert environment that’s a dream for many—until you step indoors and notice the uncomfortable effects of low humidity.
While we tend to associate discomfort with high humidity, extremely low humidity levels can be just as problematic. In fact, many Arizona homeowners experience issues like dry skin, irritated sinuses, static electricity, and even compromised HVAC efficiency—all because of a lack of moisture in the air.
Dessert Diamond Air breaks down how Arizona’s low humidity impacts your indoor comfort and what you can do to restore a healthier balance in your home. We’ll cover:
- What is Relative Humidity, and Why Does It Matter?
- Common Effects of Low Humidity on Indoor Comfort
- Solutions for Restoring Indoor Humidity in Arizona Homes
- Comfort Solutions Tailored for Arizona Homes
- Get a Quote From Phoenix’s Indoor Air Quality Experts
What is Relative Humidity, and Why Does It Matter?
Humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air. Relative humidity is a percentage that compares how much moisture the air currently holds to the maximum it can hold at a given temperature.
In Arizona, particularly in cities like Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, and Surprise, relative humidity levels can regularly fall below 20%, especially during the spring and summer months. For comparison, the ideal indoor relative humidity level for comfort and health typically ranges between 30% and 50%.
When the indoor air is too dry, it doesn’t just feel uncomfortable—it can also affect your home, your health, and even your heating and cooling systems.
5 Common Effects of Low Humidity on Indoor Comfort
1. Dry Skin and Irritated Eyes: Arizona’s desert air pulls moisture from anything it touches, including your skin. Many homeowners notice their skin feeling itchy, flaky, or tight during the driest months. The same goes for your eyes. Without enough ambient moisture, you may experience irritation, redness, or that dry, gritty feeling.
2. Respiratory Discomfort: Low humidity can also dry out the mucous membranes in your nose and throat. This reduces your body’s natural defenses against viruses and allergens, leading to symptoms like nosebleeds, sore throats, coughing, and sinus pressure.
The dry air in South-Central Arizona can aggravate symptoms and reduce indoor air quality for individuals with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions.
3. Static Electricity: Have you ever been shocked while touching a doorknob or taking off a sweater in the middle of an Arizona winter? That’s static electricity—a direct result of low indoor humidity. While generally harmless, it can be annoying and even damaging to sensitive electronics.
4. Warping of Wood and Furniture Damage: Dry air doesn’t only affect your body. It can also draw moisture from wood and natural materials in your home. This may lead to warping of hardwood floors, cracking of wood furniture, and shrinkage in door frames and cabinetry.
5. HVAC Efficiency Problems: Air that’s too dry can make it feel cooler than it actually is, causing you to turn up your heating in winter. During summer, your air conditioner may run longer than necessary if your home lacks the proper humidity balance. Either way, your HVAC system may be working overtime to compensate for an imbalanced environment.
Solutions for Restoring Indoor Humidity in Arizona Homes
Fortunately, there are several effective ways to combat dry indoor air in Arizona and improve your comfort year-round.
Install a Whole-Home Humidifier
One of the best long-term solutions is to install a whole-house humidifier directly into your HVAC system. This type of humidifier automatically adds moisture to the air as it circulates through your home, helping to maintain optimal humidity levels without any extra effort on your part.
At Dessert Diamond Air, we install and service whole-home humidifiers that are ideal for homes across the Valley and Southern Arizona. These systems are low-maintenance, energy-efficient, and designed to integrate seamlessly with your current HVAC equipment.
Use Portable Humidifiers
If you’re not ready to invest in a whole-home solution, portable humidifiers can help in key areas like bedrooms, nurseries, or home offices. Just remember to clean them regularly to avoid mold or bacterial growth.
Adjust Your Thermostat and HVAC Settings
Your thermostat may have settings that can help regulate indoor humidity. Some smart thermostats even offer humidity monitoring and control features. Make sure your HVAC system is set to circulate air evenly and that your filters are clean and well-maintained to prevent dryness caused by airflow issues.
Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
Routine maintenance ensures your HVAC system is running efficiently and can help detect any indoor air quality issues early. Dessert Diamond Air maintenance plans help Arizona homeowners stay ahead of common problems related to dryness and other comfort challenges.
Comfort Solutions Tailored for Arizona Homes
Living in a desert climate like Phoenix, Scottsdale, or Goodyear means managing more than just the heat—you also have to take indoor humidity into account. Dessert Diamond Air specializes in creating balanced indoor environments that keep your family comfortable, healthy, and protected all year long.
Whether you’re struggling with dry air, uneven temperatures, or poor indoor air quality, we can help. From humidifier installations to HVAC tune-ups and indoor air quality evaluations, our team brings reliable solutions backed by local expertise.
Get a Quote From Phoenix’s Indoor Air Quality Experts
Don’t let Arizona’s dry air disrupt your home comfort. Contact Dessert Diamond Air today to schedule your indoor air quality assessment or ask about our whole-home humidifier options. We proudly serve communities throughout Phoenix, Sun City, and the surrounding areas.
Call us at 602-638-3924 or request service online for personalized comfort solutions that work in Arizona’s unique climate.