This time of year in New England brings cold mornings. Long nights. And heating systems that rarely get a break.
If you live in the North Shore, Merrimack Valley, or Southern New Hampshire, your furnace has likely been running nonstop this winter. But here’s something many homeowners don’t realize. Dry air makes your home feel cooler than it actually is. When indoor humidity drops, your body loses heat faster. You feel chilly. You turn up the thermostat. Your heating system kicks on more often than needed. And suddenly, your energy bills climb while your comfort drops.
At Maffei Services, we see this every winter. The good news? It’s fixable.
Why Dry Air Makes Your Heating System Work Overtime
Cold air holds less moisture. Once that air enters your home and gets heated, humidity levels plummet even further. Most homes across our region fall below 20% indoor humidity in January. Ideally, your home should stay between 30% and 50%.
When humidity is too low:
- Your skin feels dry
- Your throat feels scratchy
- Static electricity builds up
- And your home feels colder than the thermostat says
So you raise the temperature. Your furnace responds by cycling more frequently. Longer run times follow. Components wear faster. Efficiency drops. That “chill” you’re chasing isn’t always about temperature. It’s about moisture.
What to Watch Out For
Dry air doesn’t always announce itself loudly. But your heating system will. Homeowners in the North Shore and Merrimack Valley often call us when they notice:
- A furnace that seems to run constantly
- Higher utility bills without extreme outdoor temperatures
- Uneven comfort from room to room
- Increased dust in the home
- Dry skin and sinus irritation
These are classic signs of low humidity stressing your HVAC system. Ignoring them can lead to unnecessary wear and tear.
How Dry Air Impacts Efficiency and Equipment
When your heating system runs more than necessary, it shortens the lifespan of critical parts. Blowers work harder. Heat exchangers see more cycles. Electronics endure more starts and stops.
Over time, this leads to:
- More repairs
- Higher energy costs
- Earlier system replacement
Maintaining proper humidity doesn’t just improve comfort. It protects your investment.
How to Combat Dry Air (and Help Your Heating System)
There are a few powerful ways to restore balance inside your home.
Start with Your HVAC Filter
Something as simple as a dirty air filter can compound dry-air issues. A clogged filter restricts airflow. Your system struggles to move warm air efficiently. Runtime increases. Regular filter changes help your system breathe. They improve performance. And they reduce strain during dry winter months.
If you already know what filter your system needs, you can order replacements directly from the Maffei Services website and have them shipped right to your door. And if you’re unsure, just ask. Our technicians are always happy to show you how to change your filter during your next visit.
Consider a Whole-Home Humidifier
Portable humidifiers help one room. A whole-house humidifier works with your heating system to evenly distribute moisture throughout your entire home.
This improves:
- Comfort
- Indoor air quality
- Heating efficiency
Many homeowners notice immediate relief from dryness once humidity levels stabilize. Maffei Services installs professionally sized humidifiers that integrate directly with your HVAC equipment for automatic, consistent performance. No refilling. No guesswork. Just balanced air.
Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat with Humidity Control
Today’s smart thermostats do more than adjust temperature. Some models measure in-home humidity and calculate a “feels-like” temperature. Instead of relying on air temperature alone, your system adjusts based on moisture levels.
That means:
- Fewer unnecessary heating cycles
- Improved comfort
- Better energy efficiency
These thermostats help your home feel warmer at lower temperature settings. Maffei Services installs and programs smart thermostats designed to work with your existing heating system. We’ll also show you how to manage settings from your phone. Control comfort from anywhere.
Why Homeowners Trust Maffei Services
We’ve helped families across the North Shore, Merrimack Valley, and Southern NH stay comfortable through countless winters.
Our licensed HVAC professionals provide:
- Heating system service and maintenance
- Whole-home humidifier installation
- Smart thermostat upgrades
- Filter replacements
- Indoor comfort evaluations
We don’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions. We assess your home. We listen. Then we recommend improvements that make sense for your system and your budget.
Comfort, Efficiency, and Peace of Mind
Dry air doesn’t just affect how you feel. It impacts how your heating system performs. When humidity levels drop, your furnace works harder. Energy bills rise. Components wear faster. Restoring moisture helps your system run smarter. And your home feels better.
Ready to Improve Comfort This Winter?
If your heating system seems to run nonstop or your energy bills feel higher than they should, dry air may be the cause. Maffei Services proudly serves homeowners throughout the North Shore and Merrimack Valley of Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. Let our experts help you rebalance your home.
Call today to schedule service, upgrade your thermostat, or learn more about whole-home humidifiers. A healthier, more efficient home starts with one visit.
