Winter Indoor Air Quality Tips: How to Keep Your Home Healthier, Warmer, and More Energy Efficient
When the temperature starts to drop, the first thing most of us do is seal up the house tightly to keep the cold out. It makes sense because nobody wants a drafty living room, but that airtight seal can actually backfire when it comes to the air you are breathing. S&S Heating & Cooling knows that winter is often the season when indoor pollutants like dust, pet dander, and mold spores get trapped inside with you. Improving your air quality is not just about comfort; it is about staying healthy while keeping your utility bills from skyrocketing during the coldest months of the year.
The Connection Between Humidity and Health
During the winter, the air outside is naturally drier, and your furnace only makes things worse by stripping away whatever moisture remains. While low humidity might seem like a minor annoyance, it actually has a massive impact on your health. Dry air dries out your mucous membranes, making you more susceptible to colds and the flu. It can also cause itchy skin and even damage your wooden furniture or flooring over time.
To combat this, you should aim for a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. A whole-home humidifier is usually the best bet because it works directly with your ductwork to evenly distribute moisture. If that is not an option, small portable units in bedrooms can make a huge difference in how you feel when you wake up in the morning. Keeping moisture balanced helps the air hold heat better, so you can turn the thermostat down a degree or two without feeling the chill.
Don’t Forget the Filters
Changing your air filter is arguably the most critical thing you can do for your indoor air quality. During winter, your HVAC system runs almost constantly. This means the filter is working overtime to catch particles. When a filter gets clogged, two bad things happen. First, those particles start bypassing the filter and circulating back into your rooms. Second, your system has to work much harder to pull air through the debris, which consumes more energy and shortens the equipment’s lifespan.
If you have pets or suffer from seasonal allergies, consider looking into filters with a higher MERV rating. These are designed to catch smaller particles that standard filters might miss. Just be sure to check your system’s specifications first, as some older units struggle with high-density filters. If you notice your unit is working or making strange noises while trying to keep up, it might be time to look into residential hvac repair to ensure everything is mechanically sound before the peak of winter hits.
Ventilate Without Losing the Heat
It feels counterintuitive to open a window when it is freezing outside, but your home needs to breathe. Indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air due to “off-gassing” from cleaning products, carpets, and even your stove. Since we spend about 90 percent of our time indoors during the winter, the buildup of carbon dioxide and VOCs can lead to headaches and fatigue.
Try “flash ventilating” by opening windows on opposite sides of the house for just five minutes a day. This allows for a quick air exchange without significantly dropping the temperature of your walls and furniture. Additionally, always use the exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom. These fans are specifically designed to vent moisture and pollutants directly outside, preventing mold growth in the areas of your home that stay damp.
Keep the Dust at Bay
Dust is a major contributor to poor air quality, and it tends to accumulate quickly when the house is closed up. Soft surfaces like rugs, heavy curtains, and upholstered furniture act like giant sponges for allergens. Swap out heavy drapes for blinds that are easier to wipe down. Vacuuming at least twice a week with a HEPA-filter vacuum is also a game-changer. Standard vacuums often suck up large debris but blow fine dust right back out the exhaust.
Do not overlook your bedding either. Washing your sheets and pillowcases in hot water once a week kills dust mites and keeps your sleeping environment much cleaner. If you have a ceiling fan, make sure to clean the blades before you switch the direction to “winter mode.” Most fans have a toggle switch that allows them to run clockwise, pushing warm air down from the ceiling without creating a cold breeze.
Final Word
Taking these small steps will make your home a much more pleasant place to be until the spring thaw arrives. By managing humidity, staying on top of filter changes, and ensuring your system runs efficiently, you can protect your family from winter illnesses and save money on your energy bills. If you find that your heater is struggling to keep up or the air feels unusually stale, the experts at S&S Heating & Cooling are always available to help you optimize your home for the season ahead.
