Woman blows her nose because of her winter allergies.

Can You Keep Your Home Fresh & Healthy This Winter?

It seems like summer just ended, and we’re already talking about winter! As we approach the holiday season, there’s nothing better than cozying up in a warm home.

When we bundle up inside and keep windows shut tight against the cold, our indoor air quality can take a serious hit. With homes sealed against chilly drafts, indoor pollutants can build up, leaving our air more contaminated than we realize.

In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, which can impact our health, especially during the colder months when we spend so much time indoors.

You’re not alone if you’ve ever noticed stuffy air, constant dust, or worsened allergies in the winter. Many homeowners face these issues, and the good news is that you can do something about it.

Let’s explore why indoor air quality suffers in winter, familiar sources of wintertime indoor pollution, and what you can do to keep your home’s air fresh, clean, and healthy.

Cozy fall decorations inside a Jacksonville, AR, home.

Why Indoor Air Quality Suffers in Winter

Combustion By-products

Sources: Appliances like wood stoves, fireplaces, and unvented gas heaters release gases and particulate matter when they burn fuel. Even gas stoves and water heaters can contribute to indoor pollution if improperly maintained.

Risks: These appliances release carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), which can cause headaches, nausea, and even severe respiratory issues. CO is especially dangerous because it’s odorless and colorless; high levels can be fatal.

Solutions:

  • Opt for electric space heaters instead of gas or kerosene ones, as they don’t emit harmful gases.
  • If you use a gas or wood-burning heater, ensure it’s vented properly and serviced annually.
  • Install carbon monoxide detectors to monitor CO levels and ensure fire alarms are functional.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Sources: VOCs are gases emitted by everyday household items, such as cleaning products, paints, scented candles, and specific furniture. The problem these compounds cause increases when windows are closed and fresh air isn’t circulating much.

Risks: VOC exposure can lead to eye and throat irritation, headaches, and even long-term health concerns like liver or kidney damage in severe cases.

Solutions:

  • Choose low-VOC or non-toxic cleaning products and opt for unscented candles.
  • Increase ventilation by cracking windows open for a few minutes each day or using exhaust fans, especially when using products that emit VOCs.
  • Avoid new paint projects in winter, as paint is a significant source of VOCs. If you must paint, use low-VOC paint to ventilate the area well.

Biological Pollutants (Mold, Mildew, and Dust Mites)

Sources: Mold and mildew thrive in damp areas like bathrooms and basements, while dust mites are common in carpets, bedding, and upholstery. Winter humidity levels can fluctuate, leading to condensation on windows or walls, which encourages mold growth.

Risks: Mold spores and dust mites are common allergens that aggravate asthma, allergies, and respiratory conditions.

Solutions:

  • Keep indoor humidity between 30-50% to discourage mold and dust mite growth. A dehumidifier can help in particularly damp areas.
  • Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms to reduce moisture buildup and wipe down any condensation on windows or surfaces.
  • Wash bedding weekly in hot water and regularly vacuum carpets with a HEPA filter vacuum to remove dust mites and allergens.

Pet Dander and Other Allergens

Sources: Pets that shed can leave dander, a common allergen. Even if pets don’t go outside, dander and other allergens can still accumulate in the home.

Risks: Pet dander is a known trigger for allergy and asthma symptoms. During winter, when we spend more time indoors with our pets, these allergens become more concentrated.

Solutions:

  • Brush and bathe pets regularly to reduce shedding.
  • Wash pet bedding frequently and consider using washable covers on furniture.
  • Invest in an air purifier with a HEPA filter to capture pet dander and other allergens.
Those amazing family members with fur can cause problems with your indoor air quality.

Improving Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality

Ventilation: Bring in Fresh Air

Ventilation is key to diluting indoor pollutants, particularly during winter. It helps remove contaminants like CO₂ and VOCs that can build up in closed spaces.

Natural Ventilation: Open windows for short periods to allow fresh air in, even on colder days. This can significantly dilute indoor pollutants without compromising too much warmth.

Mechanical Ventilation: Use kitchen and bathroom fans to expel moist, contaminated air. If your home doesn’t have an HVAC system that brings in fresh air, consider using a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) to provide constant, energy-efficient ventilation.

Keep Exhaust Fans Running: Run exhaust fans when cooking, using cleaning chemicals, or doing any other activity that may release pollutants.

Air Filtration: Clean the Air You Breathe

Air filtration is a powerful tool for indoor air quality, especially if ventilation is limited.

Replace Furnace Filters Regularly: During winter, your furnace works hard, and its filters can quickly accumulate dust and pollutants. Check and replace them every 1-3 months to keep airflow clean and efficient.

Use HEPA Air Purifiers: For bedrooms and living spaces, consider investing in portable air purifiers with HEPA filters that capture dust, pet dander, and other fine particles. This could make a noticeable difference in air quality.

Consider UV Air Purifiers: Ultraviolet (UV) air purifiers can be installed within your HVAC system to kill airborne bacteria and viruses, helping reduce biological pollutants.

Clean Regularly

A stack of cleaning supplies.

Dust, vacuum, and mop floors frequently to reduce allergen buildup. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap particles that might otherwise recirculate.

Many standard cleaning supplies emit VOCs. Consider switching to eco-friendly, non-toxic options, mainly when ventilation is limited in winter.

Wash Bedding and Curtains

Dust mites thrive in fabrics. Regularly wash bedding, curtains, and other soft furnishings in hot water to eliminate dust mites and other allergens.

Monitor Indoor Pollutants

Invest in a carbon monoxide detector to ensure safe air levels, especially when using gas appliances. Radon tests are also available and are recommended during winter when homes are tightly sealed.

Test and Control Humidity

Mold and mildew are more likely to thrive if indoor humidity is too high. Use a dehumidifier in damp areas, and vent moisture from cooking and bathing outside.

Your Winter HVAC Checklist for Fresh Indoor Air

Maintaining good air quality in winter goes hand-in-hand with keeping your HVAC system in top condition. Here are a few simple HVAC-focused steps to keep your system running efficiently and help improve indoor air quality:

Schedule a Winter Tune-Up: Call Brad’s Heating & Air to schedule a checkup on your HVAC system’s efficiency. We will make sure it is properly vented so that the risk of CO buildup is reduced.

Consider HVAC Upgrades: For homes with older heaters, you should consider having Brad upgrade your system. A high-efficiency HVAC could improve air quality and energy efficiency.

Final Thoughts

A warm, cozy home doesn’t have to mean breathing poor-quality air. With these steps, you can keep your indoor air fresh, clean, and healthy all winter, ensuring that your home is as comfortable as it is safe.

Whether you need help with filter replacements, installing air purifiers, or upgrading your HVAC system, Brad’s Heating & Air in Jacksonville, AR, is here to help. Brad is prepared to help you find the solutions to improve indoor air quality this winter. Contact us today at (501) 330-8066 to schedule an HVAC checkup or learn more about the best options for clean, healthy indoor air all season long!

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