How to Improve Your Home's Air Quality This Winter

Winter brings plenty of challenges — icy roads, skyrocketing heating bills, and dry skin, to name a few. However, one challenge we might not consider is how winter weather and indoor air quality go hand in hand. During the colder months, we seal our homes up tight to stay warm, but this can trap air inside, leading to poor indoor air quality. That “stuffy” feeling is just the beginning — indoor air pollution can immensely impact your comfort and health.

Are you ready to learn how to improve your home’s air quality? Let’s break down how winter makes indoor air quality worse and explore some tips to keep the air inside your home healthier.

Why Winter Makes Indoor Air Quality Worse

Winter weather and indoor air quality are connected in ways you might not expect. When the temperatures drop, we naturally rely more on heating systems to keep warm. However, this can lead to a combination of factors that negatively affect your home’s air.

Reduced Ventilation

During the winter months, windows and doors stay closed to keep the heat inside. While this helps with energy efficiency, it also limits the amount of fresh air entering your home. Without fresh air to dilute indoor air pollutants, things like pet dander, mold spores, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can linger in the air for longer periods.

Dry Indoor Air

Heating systems, especially forced-air systems, tend to dry out the air inside. Dry indoor air can cause discomfort, such as dry skin, itchy eyes, and irritation in the respiratory system. Investing in a humidifier can help restore proper humidity levels, making your home more comfortable and improving air quality.

Buildup of Indoor Pollutants

Indoor air can sometimes be more polluted than outdoor air. This is especially true in winter, as we use more energy-burning appliances like heaters and fuel-burning stoves. Without proper ventilation, these sources can introduce carbon monoxide and other harmful pollutants into the air.

Common Winter Indoor Air Pollutants

If you’ve noticed that winter makes indoor air quality worse, it could be due to several common culprits.

Dust Mites and Pet Dander: These are common indoor air pollutants that become more concentrated in winter because of limited airflow.
Mold and Mildew: Excess moisture from cooking, bathing, or a poorly ventilated heating system can lead to mold growth.
VOCs From Cleaning Products: Many scented cleaning products and air fresheners release VOCs, which can contribute to poor indoor air quality.
Carbon Monoxide: Improperly functioning fuel-burning heaters can release this dangerous gas, posing a significant health risk.

By addressing these issues and making small changes, you can improve your home’s air quality during the colder months.

How to Improve Your Home’s Air Quality This Winter

There’s good news: improving your indoor air quality isn’t as hard as it might seem. With a few strategic steps, you can breathe easier and create a healthier environment for your family. Let’s dive into how to improve your home’s air quality this winter in more detail below.

Clean and Replace Air Filters Regularly

Your HVAC system works overtime in the winter, so keeping its filters clean is crucial. Dirty air filters can recirculate dust, allergens, and other pollutants back into your home. Replacing filters regularly is one of the simplest ways to improve indoor air quality.

Keep Your HVAC System Maintained

Your heating system works overtime during the winter. Scheduling regular maintenance keeps it in proper working order and prevents it from circulating dust, mold, and other contaminants.

Invest in a Whole-House Air Filtration System

A whole-house air filtration system is an excellent investment for better air quality. These systems capture airborne pollutants like dust, mold spores, and pet dander, making the air cleaner and healthier. Zenner & Ritter offers whole-house air filtration systems in Buffalo, NY, that can help make a difference in your home.

Control Humidity Levels

Maintaining proper humidity levels (ideally between 30 and 50%) is key to reducing the effects of dry indoor air and preventing mold growth. A humidifier installation can help balance moisture levels and make your home more comfortable.

Keep Ducts Clean

Dust, debris, and even mold can accumulate in air ducts over time, reducing your HVAC system’s efficiency and spreading pollutants throughout your home. Scheduling regular duct cleaning can significantly improve your home’s overall air quality.

Ventilate When Possible

While it’s tempting to keep your home sealed up during the winter, occasional ventilation is important. On milder days, open a window for a few minutes to allow fresh air to circulate and push out indoor pollutants.

The Impact of Poor Indoor Air Quality

It’s easy to underestimate the impact of poor indoor air quality, but it can cause a range of health problems, especially for those with existing respiratory conditions like asthma. Polluted indoor air has been linked to symptoms like headaches, itchy eyes, and fatigue. Over time, prolonged exposure can even potentially affect long-term respiratory health.

By taking proactive steps to improve air quality, you can reduce these risks and create a more comfortable home environment during the winter months.

Stay Ahead of Winter Indoor Air Quality Issues

As you can see, winter makes indoor air quality worse by limiting ventilation, increasing dryness, and allowing pollutants like pet dander, mold spores, and VOCs to accumulate. This can lead to discomfort and potential health concerns. Knowing how to improve your home’s air quality this winter is key to creating a healthier indoor environment. Small changes, like maintaining your HVAC system, adding a humidifier, or investing in whole-house air filtration, can make a significant impact.

If you’re ready to take the next step, Zenner & Ritter is here to assist you. From whole-house air filtration systems to humidifier installation in Buffalo, NY, our team specializes in services that will improve your home’s air quality this winter.

Contact us today to schedule a service in Buffalo, NY, or one of the surrounding areas, and keep your home’s air fresh and healthy all season long!