The winter season can be tough. Colder temperatures and snow can be challenging enough, but closed indoor conditions can make it difficult to breathe and trigger allergic reactions. Luckily, there are steps you can take to improve your indoor air quality this winter.
Air Quality Issues in the Winter
The Environmental Protection Agency indicates that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outside air. Poor indoor air quality can be particularly challenging during the winter when we keep our doors and windows closed and sealed to conserve warmth and energy. These closed conditions prevent fresh air from circulating in the house, reducing breathability.
During the winter, dirt and debris can accumulate in furnaces and impact air quality. When you turn on your heating system, this buildup can circulate inside of your home. Pet danger and mold growth can also deteriorate indoor air quality and aggravate allergies. In addition, poor indoor air quality can lead to respiratory problems over time. Wintertime can be challenging, but there are ways to improve your indoor air quality.
Check Your Air Filters
Monitoring your air filters is a great first step toward better air quality. By regularly checking your HVAC air filters, you can see if they need to be cleaned or replaced. When these filters get clogged with dirt and particles, they can’t properly filter out contaminants. Dirty filters can lead to pollutants and debris getting circulated in your house.
If you need to replace your filters, you could upgrade them to improve air quality in your home. A higher MERV, or minimum efficiency reporting value, can help capture more microscopic particles that reduce air quality and can lead to health issues. We recommend consulting with a knowledgeable HVAC contractor to determine the best filters for your home.
Ventilation, Humidifiers, and Dehumidifiers
Opening a window for a brief time is another way to improve indoor air quality. Since ventilation is reduced in the winter, a short period of fresh air coming into the house can help with stuffy conditions. Increased ventilation also helps decrease the concentration of indoor air pollutants from sources like cleaning supplies and air fresheners.
Making use of humidifiers can also help add moisture to the air and alleviate dryness. Dry conditions can lead to coughs and irritated skin, but humidifiers can alleviate these problems. In areas with too much moisture, like basements, you can use a dehumidifier to help lessen dampness. Excessive moisture leads to mold and mildew, which are unhealthy to breathe and can cause allergic reactions.
Use Air Purifiers
Using air purifiers will help with air quality this winter. Air purifiers with HEPA filters help remove allergens and pollutants from recirculated indoor air. They pull air through layers of filters to capture particles and push clean air into rooms.
Modern purifiers often come with technology that can capture smaller-sized contaminants, such as animal dander. Some models use carbon filters to reduce chemical vapors and odors. If you arrange for an air quality inspection, an HVAC professional can advise you about air purifying options.
Install an Air Filtration System or HVAC UV Lights
To greatly improve air quality, you could consult with an HVAC contractor about installing a whole-home air filtration system. These systems address poor indoor air quality issues not just for rooms but the entire house.
Air filtration systems are integrated into your HVAC unit to reduce indoor contaminants. Whole-home systems use a filter system to clean out harmful particles and allergens. You can operate your heating and clean the air at the same time. These units also remove the need to place air purifiers throughout your house.
You may also opt for HVAC UV lights to improve indoor air quality. UV lights can be installed in ductwork or air handlers and are powerful enough to kill bacteria and viruses. They effectively target germs that can aggravate asthma and eliminate harmful contaminants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Schedule HVAC Maintenance
Scheduling heating and cooling maintenance is a final step you can take to improve indoor air quality. Annual maintenance provides an opportunity for a trained technician to evaluate and clean your heating system. A clean and well-functioning furnace or heat pump helps reduce dust and debris that can worsen air quality.
Our locally owned and operated company specializes in HVAC maintenance plans and indoor air quality improvement. For a trusted advisor and full air quality services, call AAA Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning today.
