Physics of Dry Air: Is a Space Heater Drying the Air?

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    Air Physics
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SUMMARY

Using a space heater does not remove water vapor from the air; rather, it increases the air's capacity to hold moisture. As the temperature rises due to the heater, the relative humidity decreases, leading to a perception of dryness. This phenomenon occurs because warmer air can hold more water than cooler air. The primary factor contributing to dry air in winter is the cold outdoor temperatures, not the operation of the space heater itself.

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hmmmm
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I am using a space heater (fan plus heater type thing) to heat a room and was wondering if this drys the air, because it sure seems to. As I understand it, dehumidifiers use a cold element to condense water out of the air, which is obviously different from the fan and heating element that makes up my space heater. Does anyone know what happens to water molecules when they pass through a space heater? Am I drying the air by using it?
 
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In absolute terms, heating air does not dry it - it does not actually remove any water vapor from the air. But the relative humidity goes down as temperature goes up because air has a greater capacity to hold water the warmer it is. What really makes the air inside dry in the winter is that it is cold outside.
 

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