Tips For Improving Indoor Air Quality In The Winter

December 27, 2022

In the cold winter months, many people fear being outside, yet staying indoors is not always more comfortable. As the temperature drops in the winter, indoor air quality can suffer significantly, making the situation even worse inside. This article investigates the causes of poor winter indoor air quality, how it affects our health, and what we can do to make things better.

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9 Tips for Improving Indoor Air Quality in the Winter

When dealing with harmful air in their house, no one should feel helpless. This is a well-known problem with tested fixes. It is feasible to step in and improve the situation for everyone’s health in the home. Continue reading to learn more about what’s going on and to get advice on how to improve the air quality. By putting these into practice, your home should be more comfortable during the cold season.

Why Indoor Air Quality Plummets In Winter

HVAC systems are expensive to run. They need a lot of energy to keep the inside in perfect condition. Homes with thick insulation are more energy-efficient and cost less to maintain. The airtight construction keeps warm air from escaping, reducing the amount of effort required of the heating system. Dust, pollen, mold spores, toxic fumes, volatile organic compounds, and other harmful indoor air contaminants can accumulate indoors as a result of this. To the detriment of most homeowners, the recirculated air usually spreads harmful toxins throughout the house. Winter also has a tendency to dry out indoor air, which makes it uncomfortable for people.

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How Low-Quality Indoor Air Affects Our Health

Depending on the severity of the issue and the time of exposure, different consequences might be seen in human health. Visitors may not be overly concerned about poor indoor air quality, but continuous exposure to the contaminants by occupants of the home can have a significant negative impact on them. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), some of the ways that this may have an effect on people’s health are listed below:

Mild Irritation

After exposure, some people may develop irritation of their eyes, nose, and throat. For people who are allergic to environmental particles, the effect will be more severe. The issue usually disappears once a person leaves the building.

Chronic Tiredness

The toxins in houses with poor air quality may be too much for some people’s immune systems to handle. They can express complaints about headaches and bouts of dizziness. Additionally, they can have chronic fatigue, which could be detrimental to their general well-being.

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Breathing Disorders

People who already have respiratory conditions may find that they are growing worse. They need to be prepared to deal with this since the pollutants may worsen their condition and risk getting asthma as a consequence.

Cancer

Some of the airborne particles may cause cancer. One typical illustration is Radon, a chemical that can lead to lung cancer. The potential connection between other substances and cancer is being researched.

Death

Even a little exposure to some poisonous gases, such as carbon monoxide, can result in death. It is impossible for the human senses to detect this combustion waste gas.

9 Tips for Better Indoor Air Quality During the Heating Season

Follow the tips below to enhance the air quality in your home in winter.

Keep Your Environment Clean at All Times

Dust frequently collects on surfaces. If disturbed, they might float back up into the air and have an impact on people. By routinely sweeping and dusting, you can reduce airborne contaminants. Cleaning staff members should always wear protective gear, such as air filter masks. You might also need additional non-toxic cleaning supplies in many cases.

Examine the HVAC Ductwork

Ducts usually carry air throughout the house. The quality of the air inside can decline as dirt accumulates. Get a duct condition inspection from an HVAC contractor in your local area. Leaks can be located and fixed by technicians. They might be able to clean the inside as well.

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Replace HVAC Air Filters on a Regular Basis

Air filters are used in HVAC systems to eliminate harmful particles from indoor spaces. This serves as the first line of defense against contaminants. These machines can only work for a specific period before they get tired. Establish a routine to change the filters as directed by the manufacturer every time. It is crucial to remember that every home has a different schedule for replacing air filters. For instance, replacing air filters is more frequent in houses with pets than in homes without pets. Therefore, it is a good idea to check your filter at least once a month and change it when it becomes clogged.

Get a Filter Upgrade

Only large airborne particles can be captured by simple filters. Most indoor air quality issues are brought forth by smaller indoor air contaminants. This issue can be resolved by switching to high-efficiency filters, but in order to ensure smooth airflow, additional system modifications may be necessary. Consult your HVAC professional.

Stop Pollutants in Their Tracks

Locate the primary sources of pollution and address each one separately. Examples include dangerous building materials, outdated heating equipment, and toxic cleaning products. Experts may visit the site to assess it, report their findings, and propose some solutions.

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Dial-Up the Ventilation

Mold, smells, and moisture on the walls are indicators of inadequate ventilation. Concentrate on those regions as they may be where this is worse. Kitchens and bathrooms are two areas that frequently require excellent ventilation. Provide sufficient ventilation when painting and sanding surfaces during home remodeling projects.

Increase Humidity Levels

Wintertime air can be very dry than most people think. Dry throats and nasal passageways may arise from this. In order to raise indoor humidity to normal levels, you should use a humidifier. Again, inquire more about whole-house humidifiers with your HVAC contractor.

Purchase a New Air Purifier

The HVAC system’s built-in air filters might not always be sufficient to complete the job. Utilizing an air filter can help with particle capture in many cases. Some models also include activated carbon filters, which kill microorganisms and remove odors. Discuss options that integrate with your HVAC system with your heating and conditioning contractor.

Add New Air-Heat Exchangers

These are designed to replace contaminated indoor air with fresh outside air. They can accomplish this without using electricity to warm the entering air, which is a cost-effective approach.

Final Thoughts

People who live, work, or are housed in commercial or industrial buildings may not necessarily have to endure a lengthy winter. Owners may make the season more enjoyable for everyone by putting the aforementioned indoor air quality improvement advice into practice. As soon as you can, start the procedure by getting in touch with reliable HVAC contractors for assistance.

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Lawes Company guarantees the lowest local heating and cooling service pricing. Our repair services can improve energy efficiency, enhance comfort, and lower heating and cooling costs. We can suggest the best system for your house within your budget, whether you require an HVAC repair or replacement. All of the work we do is supported by a warranty in order to make sure you are happy. Make a service appointment today by giving Lawes Company a call. We offer cost-free in-home estimates.

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