How To Improve The Air Quality In Your Home This Winter

During the wintertime and in our cold climate, our homes understandably get a bit stuffy. Furnaces are designed to recirculate air for efficiency, so you’re getting exposed to the same air over and over again unless new air is introduced into the system. In addition to this, the heat in the furnace will remove moisture from the air, potentially making it dry and uncomfortable. Here are some tips on improving the air quality in your home this winter:

Change Your HVAC Filter

You should already be doing this seasonally, but if you haven’t been, change it out and you might notice a small improvement in the air quality in your home.

Air The Place Out

Even though it’s not very energy efficient, sometimes when your house feels stuffy in the wintertime, the best thing you can do is to open up a bunch of windows and let some fresh air in. Try to choose a mild day, so you can get some fresh air in without your house getting totally frigid. Generally, it’s probably good practice to let some fresh air into your home once a week or so in the wintertime.

Set Up a Humidifier

HVAC humidifiers can be more trouble than they’re worth, and if used improperly can actually create perfect conditions for mold in your ductwork. But if you feel like the air is too dry, you can certainly set up an in-room humidifier to improve air quality.

Get a HEPA Filter

This goes a step above your furnace filter to take out allergens and other nasty stuff from the air in your home. A HEPA filter is a special kind of super strong air filter that traps tiny particles most regular filters miss. They are ideal for people with asthma or other respiratory sensitivities.

Do a Deep Cleaning

When was the last time you did a really deep cleaning of your home? If you’re hoping for good air quality, you’ll need to get rid of all the dust laying around before it gets picked up by your HVAC system and recirculated.

Avoid Harmful Chemicals

Burning wood, smoking indoors, and common household products (e.g. paints, cleaning supplies, sprays, pesticides, cosmetics, furnishings, etc.) can release harmful gases known as VOCs. Indoor buildup of VOCs can be up to 10 times higher than outdoors! It is recommended to avoid the use of these products when possible or choose VOC-free options. And if you must use them, make sure to ventilate your space by cracking a window or turning on your exhaust fan to reduce exposure.

Clean or Replace Exhaust Fans

Bathroom and kitchen fans help remove humidity, pollutants, and odors...but only if they're clean! Dusty or clogged fans can't ventilate properly, which allows moisture and contaminants to linger in your home. Make sure to clean them at least twice a year for proper airflow.

Get Your Vents and Air Ducts Cleaned

Our customers are always surprised by what we find in their air ducts during a cleaning —“We’ve been breathing THAT in all this time?” It's easy to overlook how much dust, allergens, pet dander, allergens, and even mold can build up inside the ductwork over time. So if it's been years since your last duct cleaning or your ducts have never been cleaned, it's a good idea to have them inspected and professionally cleaned ASAP.

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Given that we spend nearly 90% of our time indoors, maintaining clean, healthy air is more important than ever —especially for children, the elderly, and those susceptible to respiratory issues. If you're ready to improve the air you breathe at home, our exhaust fan cleaning and air duct cleaning services can help create the clean, comfortable sanctuary your family deserves. Reach out today to schedule an appointment. We're always happy to answer any questions.

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