How to Maximize Indoor Air Quality During Winter

The temperature starts to plummet, and most of us retreat indoors for warmth and comfort. However, during this time, indoor air quality can often take a hit due to increased heating and limited ventilation. Poor indoor air quality will result in discomfort, respiratory issues, and even aggravate pre-existing health conditions. As an HVAC company, we know well the value of a healthy indoor environment throughout the seasons. In this blog, we will look at some effective ways to ensure indoor air quality during winter so that your home can be a haven of safety and comfort.

1. Routine HVAC Maintenance

A properly serviced HVAC system is the backbone of a healthy indoor environment. During the winter, your heating system is likely running more frequently, so it’s essential to keep it in optimal working condition. Schedule regular maintenance checks with an HVAC professional to ensure that your furnace, air ducts, and filters are clean and functioning properly. A professional inspection can prevent costly repairs down the line and ensure that your system is not circulating dust or allergens throughout your home.

2. Replacing Air Filters Regularly

One of the simplest ways to help improve indoor air quality during winter is by regularly changing your HVAC air filters. Over time, air filters can become clogged with dust, dirt, and debris that restrict airflow and decrease the efficiency of the system. This can also circulate airborne pollutants throughout your home due to clogged filters. Make it a habit to replace your filters every 1-3 months or more often if you have pets or allergies.

3. Increase Ventilation

Along with tightly sealed windows that save heat, the air inside your house may grow stale and full of fumes. For that purpose, consider using a ventilation system or opening the window from time to time to ventilate the air inside. If it is too cold outside and opening windows is not an option, you can make use of either a heat recovery ventilator or an energy recovery ventilator; both units bring in fresh air from outdoors, minimizing losses of energy.

4. Regulate Humidity Level

The heating systems can be very arid inside a home during winter. This hurts the skin by making it prone to irritation apart from causing throat irritation and the discomfort of more dust in a home. Humidifiers make this possible between 30 percent and 50 percent. Mold and mildew a type which may grow through appropriate humidity-might adversely hurt the indoor air quality. Clean and care for your humidifier regularly to prevent bacterial growth or mold inside the machine.

5. Air Purifiers

Air purifiers are an excellent devices that anybody might own during winter. This helps clean dust, pollen, pet dander, and all those air contaminants that might pass through the filtering ability of an HVAC system. HEPA filters catch fine particles with great success and, therefore, are very suitable for indoor air quality. Place air purifiers in rooms or areas that tend to have high usage or places where allergens can accrue, such as bedrooms and living rooms.

Contact an HVAC Professional

With these simple yet effective tips, one can make an indoor space that encourages better health, improved comfort, and greater peace of mind. Regular maintenance of HVAC systems, changing their filters, increasing ventilation, and controlling humidity are some of the main factors in ensuring that your home remains a safe and clean sanctuary throughout the colder months. At Accutemp Engineering, we’re committed to helping you achieve optimal indoor air quality all year round. Call us today to schedule your HVAC maintenance and air quality consultation. Stay warm, breathe easy, and enjoy a healthier home environment this winter!