As temperatures drop, it’s natural to spend more time in the warmth and comfort of home. But did you know that during the winter months your indoor air quality can take a significant turn for the worse? Cold weather brings unique challenges that can lead to poor air quality, which can have negative effects on both your health and comfort.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to improve the air you breathe indoors. Here’s a look at why indoor air quality deteriorates in winter and steps you can take to improve it.

Why Winter Is Tough on Indoor Air Quality

Reduced Ventilation

In the winter, we tend to keep windows and doors closed to keep the cold air out. While this helps with insulation and keeping heating costs down, it also reduces the amount of fresh air circulating indoors. This can cause indoor air to become stagnant, trapping pollutants such as dust, pet dander, cleaning chemicals, and cooking fumes inside.

Increase ventilation by opening windows periodically to allow fresh air to enter, even if only for a few minutes each day. And don’t forget to use exhaust fans in high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens to keep air moving and reduce moisture buildup.

Lower Humidity Levels

Winter air is typically much drier than in the warmer months, both indoor and out. The use of forced air heat can further reduce the humidity in your home. Low humidity can cause dry skin, irritated eyes, and respiratory discomfort, but it also allows dust and allergens to remain airborne longer, exacerbating allergy and asthma symptoms.

A humidifier can help restore moisture to the air, improving comfort and respiratory health. Aim for indoor humidity levels between 30-50%. You can also add houseplants, which naturally release moisture into the air.

Increased Use of Heating Systems

When furnaces, space heaters, and fireplaces are running full-time, they can contribute to poorer indoor air quality. Furnaces, especially older models, can stir up dust and debris trapped in vents and ducts.

Ensure your furnace and heating system are serviced regularly. Changing your furnace filters frequently will help remove dust and allergens from the air, ensuring that the system runs more efficiently. If you use a fireplace or space heater, ensure proper ventilation to avoid the buildup of harmful gases.

Increased Dust and Allergens

During winter, we spend more time indoors, meaning there is more exposure to indoor allergens like dust, pet dander, and mold. With less fresh air and reduced circulation, allergens and dust particles can linger longer in the air.

Regularly clean and dust your home to minimize allergens. Consider investing in a HEPA air purifier that can capture airborne dust and allergens. Wash bedding and curtains frequently, and vacuum with a HEPA filter-equipped vacuum cleaner to remove dust from carpets and furniture.

Chemical Pollutants

In winter, we may to use more cleaning products and air fresheners to keep our homes smelling fresh and looking clean. Unfortunately, many of these products release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, contributing to poor indoor air quality. Paint, candles, cleaning agents, and even some types of furniture and carpets can emit VOCs, which can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and even cause long-term health problems.

Choose non-toxic, environmentally friendly cleaning products and natural air fresheners like essential oils. Be mindful of new furniture or carpets, as they may off-gas VOCs, and consider allowing these items to air out in a well-ventilated area before bringing them indoors.

C&D: Your Indoor Air Quality Experts

While winter can be tough on indoor air quality, C&D Heating & Cooling offers a variety of indoor air quality solutions for your home. Contact us today for an indoor air quality assessment and system proposal and breathe easy no matter the season.