We typically stay home, seeking warmth and comfort when winter’s cold embraces us. However, we must be mindful of the possible effects on indoor air quality when we seek shelter from the cold outdoors. The air we inhale in the comfort of our own homes is vulnerable to many wintertime hazards. Let’s take a close look at the top five ways that wintertime impacts indoor air quality and what to do.
1. Reduced Ventilation
In the winter, we tend to seal our houses more securely in an effort to keep warm, which might lead to less ventilation than we intended. When this happens, pollutants can build up in stagnant indoor air, which impacts air quality as a whole. You can avoid this by opening windows or turning on exhaust fans at regular intervals. You may even want to think about getting an air exchange system so you can bring in cool air from outside while keeping the heat inside.
2. Increased Use of Heating Systems
Heating systems are essential for maintaining a warm interior climate when temperatures decrease. The increasing use of heating systems, however, has the potential to reawaken dust and allergens that settle inside your home throughout the warmer months. To keep airborne particles to a minimum, clean and replace the heating system’s filters on a regular basis. Scheduling regular maintenance is another excellent way to ensure the HVAC system can keep dust and allergens to a minimum.
3. Dry Air and Irritants
Heating systems significantly decrease interior humidity, making the already dry winter air even worse. This is why it’s helpful to use a humidifier to keep the relative humidity between 30% and 50% to combat dry air. This helps alleviate respiratory discomfort, dry skin, and irritated eyes. You may also find it helpful to place indoor plants around your home. These plants release moisture and contribute to a healthier atmosphere.
4. Combustion Byproducts
The use of heating equipment, fireplaces, and stoves in the winter may lead to the release of carbon monoxide and other combustion byproducts. Install carbon monoxide detectors in high-traffic areas of your house, and check that all combustion appliances have adequate exterior ventilation. To find problems quickly and fix them as they arise, schedule inspections at regular intervals.
5. Insufficient Cleaning
Winter weather may make people less likely to clean their homes regularly, which means that dust and pollutants can build up. The best way to avoid this is by establishing a regular cleaning routine and paying special attention to the spots where dust tends to accumulate. If you want to get rid of dust and other particles efficiently, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and wipe down any surfaces with a microfiber cloth. A cleaner home is a healthier home.
Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality This Winter
There are numerous ways for you to combat poor indoor air quality during the winter. High-efficiency air purifiers with HEPA filters can effectively remove airborne particles, allergens, and contaminants, contributing to cleaner indoor air. Additionally, you can lessen the amount of harmful chemicals introduced into your home by using natural and non-toxic cleaning products. This promotes a healthier atmosphere for you and your family.
When the weather permits, open windows, and doors to facilitate natural ventilation. This helps exchange indoor air with fresh outdoor air, reducing pollutant concentrations. If you allow smoking in your home, create designated areas with proper ventilation to contain and minimize the impact of indoor air pollutants.
How Does Regular HVAC Maintenance Improve Indoor Air Quality
Improving the quality of indoor air during the winter months mostly depends on regular HVAC maintenance. There will be less dust and allergen movement in a well-maintained heating system because of how well it operates. The air that circulates throughout the house will be free of pollutants since the filters are clean and the components are working correctly.
A healthier interior environment is another benefit of having a professional evaluate the HVAC system. They can find problems, like mold development, and fix them. In addition to enhancing system efficiency, prioritizing regular HVAC maintenance helps provide cleaner, fresher air, which is especially beneficial for occupants’ well-being during the winter months.
Heatwave Heating & Cooling is here to help you improve your Amherst home’s indoor air quality. We provide a wide range of heating and cooling services, including air duct cleaning and air filtration. We also specialize in tankless water heaters and generators. Give us a call today to learn more about making your home more comfortable this winter with better indoor air quality.
