The weather outside might be frightful, but your indoor air shouldn’t be! It may be surprising to learn that the air quality inside your home is usually far worse and more polluted than the outside air. While this is true at any time of the year, air quality becomes even worse during the colder months when people have their homes closed up tight and trade ventilation for heating. The good news is that there are several things you can do to improve the air quality in your home so you can breathe easier this season.
What Causes Indoor Air Pollution During the Winter?
Homes are built for energy efficiency. They’ve become increasingly airtight with improved insulation and high-efficiency windows and doors to reduce drafts and keep the cold out. While reducing the amount of warm air escaping is great for your utility bills, it’s not so great for your health. Plugging cracks and improving insulation seals off your home from any fresh air, meaning you are breathing more recirculated air. The recirculated air carries dust, pollen, mold spores, pollutants, and odors that continuously cycle through your home during the winter, raising the concentration of allergens and contaminants. While some health effects caused by indoor air pollution can be felt immediately, like allergies or a cold, long-term exposure can produce more severe health concerns, like asthma.
Below, the experts at Clay’s Climate Control share how you can improve indoor air quality, even during the winter.
Dust and Clean Regularly
Prevent dust, mold spores, and other irritants from building up around your home by cleaning and dusting frequently. Mopping and vacuuming help remove dust, dirt, pet hair and dander, pollen, and other allergens that contribute to poor indoor air quality. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to avoid blowing the contaminants into your air vents and circulating throughout your home.
Check Your Ducts and Air Filters
Even with regular dusting and cleaning, dirt and debris will still find their way into your HVAC system. Once these pollutants build up in your ductwork, they will be transferred to your indoor air whenever the blower on your HVAC turns on. Consider having your ductwork professionally cleaned and sealed to reduce contaminants. When was the last time you changed your air filters? Your air filters are your first line of defense against indoor air pollutants, but to do their job, they must be checked and changed regularly.
Maintain Proper Humidity
Humidity plays a crucial role in air quality. Overly dry air during the winter causes much lower humidity levels than in the summer, and this dry air can cause or worsen many respiratory problems and health issues. Cold air holds less moisture, so increasing the humidity levels in your home will help the air feel warmer and maintain your indoor air quality. To best manage your home’s humidity level, consider installing a whole-house humidifier to enjoy cleaner air during winter.
Consider Installing a Whole-Home Air Filtration System
Although your HVAC system does a good job of filtering out dust and other contaminants, it can’t remove most other pollutants, like volatile organic compounds (VOCs). If you want cleaner, healthier indoor air, our air purifier installation experts can help. We supply and install the latest air filtration systems, air-decontaminating UV lamps, purifiers, dehumidifiers, and humidifiers.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
Routine maintenance of your home’s HVAC system is crucial no matter the season. Professional service ensures your unit runs with optimal efficiency, safety, and performance, as well as improving your indoor air quality.
Air Purifier Installation With Clay’s Climate Control
At Clay’s Climate Control, we provide the best air quality services to residents throughout Southern New Jersey. We specialize in air filtration, humidifier, and dehumidifier installations to keep your home clean and comfortable, regardless of the season. As a full-service heating and cooling company, we also offer system maintenance, repair, and installation services. Connect with us at 609-916-1106 to schedule an appointment and improve your indoor air today.
