Winter is a time when most people retreat indoors. The days are shorter, the nights are longer, and temperatures often drop below 0°C. Since open-air ventilation is impractical during this season, your indoor air quality can quickly deteriorate. Fortunately, there are simple yet effective ways to improve the air quality in your home during winter.
1. Deal With Dry Winter Air
During winter, the air in your home tends to feel dry because colder temperatures reduce its ability to retain moisture. At 0°C, air can hold only about 4 grams of water per cubic meter, compared to 18 grams per cubic meter at 20°C. This drop in humidity is why your indoor environment often feels uncomfortably dry as the temperature drops.
You might think that since your furnace is warming the air, it should automatically increase its moisture capacity. However, your heating system typically removes moisture from the air as it heats it, leaving the air even drier than before. This is because furnace filters trap any moisture present, passing the dry air over heating elements.
Investing in a humidifier is the most effective solution for combating dry winter air. Options include whole-house humidifiers that work through your HVAC system or portable units for individual rooms. Whole-house humidifiers are installed directly into your ductwork, and they add moisture to the heated air as it is distributed throughout your home.
Single-room humidifiers, such as vaporizers, impellers, ultrasonic units, and wick systems, are also great choices depending on your preferences and needs. Houseplants can also provide a small increase in humidity while helping to purify the air, although their impact is limited compared to a humidifier.
2. Replace Furnace Filters
Your furnace draws in air through return vents, which are often located near the floor, to condition it. These vents contain air filters designed to capture dust, moisture, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles. Over time, these filters can become clogged, which reduces their effectiveness and makes it harder for your furnace to heat your home.
For optimal indoor air quality, it’s essential to clean or replace your furnace filters every two to three months, especially during winter when your furnace is used more frequently. If your system uses washable filters, be sure to clean them thoroughly.
3. Invest in Air Purifiers
While furnace filters do a great job of cleaning your indoor air, an air purifier can provide even greater purification. Air purifiers use powerful fans combined with advanced filtration systems to remove a wider range of particles, including dust, pollen, pet dander, and even microorganisms like bacteria and viruses. Many air purifiers use HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, which can remove 99.97% of airborne particulates. These filters are ideal for homes with allergy or asthma sufferers.
In addition to HEPA filters, some air purifiers are equipped with activated carbon filters. These filters are highly effective at absorbing odor-causing molecules and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can result from cleaning products, cooking, and even certain building materials. An air purifier equipped with both HEPA and activated carbon filters can significantly improve the air quality in your home by trapping a broad spectrum of contaminants.
4. Source Control
The most effective strategy for improving indoor air quality during winter is source control, which means eliminating or minimizing the pollutants at their source. One of the first steps is to ensure that your home is properly sealed to prevent contaminated outdoor air from mixing with the air inside. Check for gaps around doors and windows and use weatherstripping or caulking to seal them. Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible to reduce exposure to outdoor pollutants.
In addition to sealing your home, use exhaust fans in areas like kitchens and bathrooms to remove indoor pollutants, such as cooking fumes and excess moisture. This helps maintain a healthier air balance in your living spaces.
The materials you choose for your home interior can also impact air quality. Furniture, carpets, paints, and sealants made from low-quality or synthetic materials can release VOCs and other harmful particles into the air over time. Opt for higher-quality, organic materials whenever possible to reduce the emission of these pollutants. Additionally, switching to natural cleaning products can help minimize exposure to harsh chemicals that may contribute to poor indoor air quality.
Contact Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Inc. for More Information
If you live in Sioux Falls, SD, call Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Inc. today for indoor air quality solutions. Our experienced technicians will assess your home to identify potential pollutants and recommend the best methods for improving your air quality, like air duct cleaning. We also offer services for furnace repair and maintenance, heat pump installation, and electrical rewiring. Reach out to us today for a consultation or to schedule an appointment.
