It’s easy to open a window during the warm spring and summer months and let fresh air into our homes. However, during the colder winter months, the last thing we want to do is open a window when the temperatures are in the negatives and it’s snowing.
To keep our homes warm in the winter, we do whatever we can to keep the cold air out – insulating our homes or installing airtight windows. While this helps keep our home comfortable and cozy, closing up our home reduces ventilation, keeping air pollutants such as mold, dust, pollen, and mildew trapped inside.
An airtight home can lead to low air quality, which has lead to several potential health issues, including fatigue, flu-like symptoms, headaches, dizziness, itchy eyes/nose/throat. Pre-existing problems like asthma, allergies, or chronic illness can also worsen.
Luckily, there are several things you can do to improve your indoor home air quality during the winter while keeping your home warm.
1. Clean Regularly
One of the main things you can do is to clean regularly. Dusting and vacuuming can reduce airborne pollutants while wiping down commonly touched surfaces and mopping can help remove pollutants that have settled.
2. Check Your Ducts
Dirt and debris can quickly build up in your ducts and get into the air you breathe while reducing your HVAC system’s efficiency. One way to prevent this is to make sure your ducts are inspected routinely and cleaned out if they become clogged. A full duct cleaning is better left to the professionals who have the specialized equipment needed to clean ducts properly.
3. Replace Your HVAC’s Air Filter
Your HVAC system is the first line of defense against air pollutants in your home because almost all of the air in your home will pass through it. However, especially with your furnace running at all times during the winter, this requires you to change out your air filter regularly. Having a dirty air filter can contribute to low indoor air quality, so make sure you check your filters and change them when necessary.
4. Buy an Air Purifier
Buying an air purifier allows you to directly remove pollutants such as dust, pet dander, and other allergens from the air inside your home to improve indoor air quality. Supreme is proud to offer a selection of Aprilaire high-efficiency air purifiers to help maintain your family’s comfort.
5. Add Humidity
Polluted indoor air isn’t the only cause of discomfort or illness. The dryness of winter can also contribute to low indoor air quality and resulting symptoms. Purchasing a humidifier can add moisture back into your air so you can breathe comfortably, while the right amount of moisture can help control the development of dust mites, mold, and mildew.
As your local HVAC Heating and Cooling company, our team will help ensure that you have the highest air quality all winter long. Give us a call to learn more about improving the air quality inside your home or business!
