Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality During The Winter Months

Before winter sets in, most homeowners find time to prepare their homes for the harsh and freezing weather. Many call on their favorite heating repair professionals to make sure their HVAC systems are in excellent condition. 

Once winter starts, people usually spend most of their time at home, with all the windows closed as they sit by the fireplace drinking hot chocolate. Others turn on their heating systems to full blast, hoping to rub away all the cold winter air. 

However, did you know that the air inside your home may be more dangerous than the freezing winter temperature outside? As the house is closed up, there is no proper ventilation, which means indoor air is trapped inside. 

Confined air can lead to several problems, the most significant of which is poor air quality. With unclean indoor air, residents are exposed to certain health dangers. Some common problem signs include dizziness; headaches; fatigue; itchy nose, throat, and eyes; flu-like symptoms; and chronic illnesses. Allergies and asthma will also worsen, and other respiratory problems can develop. 

Tips for Improving Winter Time Indoor Air Quality 

If you are one of the many homeowners who have had to contend with poor indoor air for several winters now, all is not lost. There are some tips you can follow to improve your home’s air quality in the winter months. 

Regularly clean your home 

Schedule one cleaning day a week so you can sweep away dust and dirt, which can get into your ventilation system or heater. Be sure to include all your rugs and carpets, as well as the floors. Include all areas that easily gather dust. Use a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner and non-toxic/non-chemical cleaning products to prevent the unclean air from going back or circling into the air.

Additionally, clean your HVAC system regularly, too, specifically the air filters. These filters protect your indoor air from pollutants. If they are dirty, then they won’t serve their purpose. 

Upgrading or changing your air filters will also significantly help. Homeowners are usually required to check and clean the filters and change them every other month during the winter season.

Improve ventilation by opening windows at least once a day 

It’s understandable if you want your windows closed the whole time during winter, but you need to get some air in from time-to-time. Bring in a little fresh air into your house by opening your windows at least once a day or once a week. Keep it open for a few minutes so enough air can get in. 

Remove and change your bedding regularly

Poor-quality indoor air and dust mites do not go well together. As such, you must regularly remove and change your bedding – all beddings in your home. Dust particles float in the air and can cause problems, especially when you’re asleep, leading to you getting allergies, among others. 

Put some plants inside your home 

If you want cleaner air inside your home in the wintertime, consider putting in some indoor plants. Certain plants are actually proven to help purify the air in homes and are even considered a good remedy for muggy air. 

Bamboo palms, Chinese Evergreens, Peace Lily, and Boston Ferns are just some of the plants you should consider putting inside your home. 

Consider installing an air purifier in your home 

Another way of ensuring that your indoor air is protected from wintertime pollen, viruses, and bacteria, among others, is to install an air purifier in your home. Lately, air cleaners have evolved in terms of technology and are now capable of capturing and killing the pollutants.  

You can do many other things to improve your indoor air quality during the winter months, but the ones mentioned above are the most important. The best thing to do is prepare your home before all the cold, freezing air and snow start to take over the outdoors. 

About the Author

Sara Olsen is the Content Marketing Manager of Emergency Air, Arizona’s premier HVAC repair and service company with NATE-certified technicians and the best HVAC service in the quickest time. When not writing articles, she makes the most of her time with her family and gives back to the community.