Why Indoor Air Quality Gets Worse In Winter (And How To Fix It)

When the cold season arrives, we are forced to spend more time indoors to stay cozy. But while we seal our homes to keep ourselves warm, we are inadvertently creating another problem: poor indoor air quality. Yes, studies show the air inside our homes is usually more polluted than the air outdoors during the winter months! The cause? Dust, VOCs, allergens, viruses, and other pollutants linger with us as we close up our homes to keep the cold out. 

That’s why we’re sharing a few practical tips to help you keep your home’s air clean and healthy this winter season.

Replace Air Filters

Replace air filters: We recommend changing your air filters every 1 to 3 months. How often depends on the thickness of the filters and the prevalence of air pollutants in your home, like pet dander or dust. If needed, you can also upgrade to HEPA filters. Learn more about choosing the right filter for your system here.

Open Your Windows

Even in winter your home needs fresh air. Crack a window for 5-10 minutes a day to help circulate fresh air, especially when cooking, showering, or running your fireplace. This brief ventilation helps refresh indoor air without sacrificing too much heat. 

Turn on Your Exhaust Fans

Make sure to utilize your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to remove humidity, pollutants, and odors from your home. For best performance, clean them at least twice a year to get rid of dust buildup.  

Avoid Volatile Organic Compounds (vocs)

Chemicals found in cleaning supplies, sprays, paints, building materials, and cigarettes significantly contribute to indoor pollution. Whenever possible, limit their use and choose low or free-VOC alternatives.

Service Your HVAC system and Air Ducts

Your HVAC does more than keep you warm—it also continuously circulates the air you breathe. A properly maintained heating system and ductwork will be more efficient at filtering airborne particles and indoor pollutants. 

Remember that an HVAC system with airflow or humidity control issues can create the perfect conditions for indoor pollutants to thrive. That’s why we’re here whenever you need us, whether it’s a professional furnace tune-up and/or a thorough air duct cleaning.

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