During winter, indoor air quality suffers – and so does your family. The average humidity drops from 40 percent to approximately 10 percent in a heated building. The air becomes dry and loses as much as 80 percent of its ability to carry away moisture, which leads to problems like static electricity, dry skin, and hair, damage to your houseplants, and more. Although you can’t do much about those plummeting humidity levels, there are some things you can do to ensure better indoor air quality and stay healthier this winter:
Keep your home clean
In winter, it is important to clean your home as much as possible to improve indoor air quality and prevent dust and dirt build-up. The cold season carries more than just the promise of snow; it means months of dirty air. As homes heat up, they can fill with dirt, dust, mold spores, and pet dander that settle in curtains, carpeting, furniture, and rugs.
Install HEPA filters
HEPA filters help keep the air you breathe clean. As more people spend time inside their homes during the winter months, HEPA filtration is a great way to help improve indoor air quality year-round. The clean air delivery rate (CADR) of a HEPA filter indicates how many cubic feet of air the filter is capable of delivering in an hour over a range of particle sizes – from large dust particles to find mold spores – with 99.97 percent efficiency.
Improve ventilation
During the winter months, indoor air is often more polluted than outdoor air. That is because indoor pollution sources such as smoking and cooking can be stronger during the colder months. Fortunately, with a little ventilation, you can save on energy bills and improve your health this winter. Fans are the most popular form of ventilation during the cold season.
Use an air purifier
An air purifier is an essential tool during winter as it helps to prevent flu, cold, and other airborne issues caused by heightened levels of pollen and dust in the air. By filtering out pollutants and allergens, an air purifier will help provide relief for those who suffer from allergies and respiratory issues like asthma.
Buy indoor plants
Bring the benefits of indoor plants into winter. Many houseplants thrive in low light, which makes them great candidates for growing indoors all year round. Their ability to clean the air, remove toxic chemicals like benzene, and produce oxygen make them a natural choice for your home.
Invest in a professional heating repair for better indoor quality
When the heating system in your home is running poorly, it often tends to degrade the quality of indoor air. Air quality can be improved by having your heating system repaired. HVAC professionals have the tools and training to detect and diagnose heating problems effectively. Avoid bigger, more expensive issues with a quick repair before they develop into a major problem. Hiring a professional heating repair company is a wise decision for any homeowner. Get in touch with the pros today!