As the temperatures drop, most people spend more time indoors, keeping windows closed and running their heating systems to stay warm. However, the increased time inside means indoor air quality (IAQ) becomes more crucial. Poor indoor air quality can lead to respiratory problems, exacerbate allergies, and even impact sleep and productivity. During fall and winter, taking steps to improve IAQ is essential for creating a healthy, comfortable indoor environment.
This article provides practical tips for enhancing indoor air quality during colder months, from regular HVAC maintenance to air purification solutions.
Replace and Maintain Your HVAC Filters
One of the simplest ways to improve indoor air quality is by changing your HVAC filters regularly. HVAC filters trap dust, allergens, pet dander, and other airborne particles that circulate throughout your home. During fall and winter, when heating systems run frequently, these filters can quickly become clogged, restricting airflow and reducing air quality.
Replace Filters Every 1-3 Months: Standard HVAC filters should be replaced every 1-3 months, depending on factors like the number of occupants, presence of pets, and whether anyone in the home has allergies.
Consider Upgrading to HEPA Filters: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters capture even smaller particles, making them an excellent option for improving IAQ. Check with your HVAC provider to ensure your system is compatible with HEPA filters, as they may require additional adjustments to work efficiently.
Regular filter maintenance keeps your HVAC system running smoothly, reduces strain on components, and minimizes the recirculation of dust and allergens in your home.
Invest in a Whole-Home Humidifier
Humidity levels tend to drop during colder months, leading to dry indoor air. Low humidity can cause issues such as dry skin, respiratory discomfort, and increased susceptibility to illnesses. It can also damage wooden furniture, flooring, and other materials sensitive to moisture levels. Adding a whole-home humidifier to your HVAC system helps maintain balanced humidity throughout your home.
Ideal Humidity Range: Aim for a humidity level between 30-50% to prevent dryness and keep air comfortable. Overly dry air can aggravate respiratory issues and increase the spread of airborne viruses.
Benefits of Whole-Home Humidifiers: Unlike portable units, whole-home humidifiers connect directly to your HVAC system, distributing moisture evenly throughout your home. This provides consistent humidity levels and improves air quality in every room.
Maintaining balanced humidity reduces static electricity, protects wooden furniture, and keeps indoor air healthier and more comfortable.
Clean and Inspect Your Ductwork
Over time, dust, allergens, and even mold can accumulate in your home’s ductwork, reducing air quality and potentially triggering allergies. Fall is an excellent time to schedule a duct cleaning, as it helps prepare your HVAC system for winter and ensures clean, healthy airflow throughout your home.
Benefits of Duct Cleaning: Professional duct cleaning removes contaminants like dust, mold spores, and pet dander, which can circulate each time your heating system runs. This is especially important for homes with occupants who suffer from asthma or allergies.
Inspect for Leaks and Damage: During the cleaning process, a technician can also check for any leaks or damaged sections in your ductwork. Leaks can lead to uneven heating, increased energy bills, and lower air quality, so it’s essential to have any issues addressed promptly.
By keeping ducts clean and well-maintained, you enhance your home’s IAQ and reduce the risk of respiratory issues caused by airborne particles.
Use an Air Purifier for Additional Filtration
Even with regular filter changes and clean ductwork, some particles may still circulate in your home. An air purifier provides an additional layer of filtration, helping to remove fine particles like dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander from the air.
Types of Air Purifiers: Consider models with HEPA filters or those equipped with activated carbon filters to capture a wide range of particles and odors. Some air purifiers also come with UV light technology that targets bacteria and viruses.
Room-Specific or Whole-Home Purifiers: If you’re only concerned about IAQ in specific rooms, such as bedrooms or living spaces, a portable air purifier may be sufficient. However, for comprehensive coverage, a whole-home purifier integrated into your HVAC system provides a more effective solution.
Air purifiers improve IAQ, creating a healthier living environment, particularly during the winter when you’re likely to spend more time indoors.
Ventilate When Possible
Although it can be challenging to open windows during colder months, ventilating your home periodically helps improve IAQ by bringing in fresh outdoor air. Proper ventilation reduces the concentration of indoor pollutants and keeps the air from becoming too stale.
Short Bursts of Ventilation: Try opening windows for a few minutes each day, even in winter, to let fresh air circulate. For homes with exhaust fans, running them periodically helps remove contaminants from kitchens, bathrooms, and other high-moisture areas.
Use Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs): An HRV system is ideal for homes in colder climates, as it exchanges stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while conserving heat. HRVs are highly efficient and provide continuous ventilation without significantly affecting indoor temperatures.
Regular ventilation improves IAQ and prevents pollutants from building up, ensuring a fresh and comfortable indoor environment.
Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up
Regular HVAC maintenance is essential for optimal performance and air quality. During an HVAC tune-up, a technician will inspect, clean, and adjust various system components, ensuring everything operates efficiently and effectively.
Cleaning Coils and Components: Dust and dirt can accumulate on HVAC coils, reducing efficiency and negatively impacting IAQ. Professional cleaning improves airflow and prevents contaminants from entering your home.
Check for Carbon Monoxide Leaks: A fall tune-up is an excellent opportunity to check your heating system for potential carbon monoxide leaks, which can be dangerous. A professional inspection keeps your family safe and helps identify any issues before they become serious.
Regular maintenance keeps your HVAC system functioning smoothly, reduces breakdowns, and contributes to better IAQ.
Consider Upgrading to a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats allow you to monitor and control your home’s temperature and humidity levels, giving you precise control over indoor comfort and air quality. These devices let you program schedules, set humidity preferences, and adjust settings remotely.
Energy Efficiency and Comfort: Smart thermostats reduce energy waste by adjusting temperatures automatically based on your preferences. Many models also monitor IAQ and alert you when it’s time to change filters, making them a convenient tool for homeowners.
IAQ Benefits: Some smart thermostats come with air quality sensors that can help you track humidity and pollutant levels, making it easier to maintain a healthy environment.
Upgrading to a smart thermostat provides better control over indoor climate and can contribute to improved IAQ during the colder months.
Improving indoor air quality during fall and winter is essential for creating a comfortable, healthy home environment. With a few simple steps—such as regular filter changes, adding a whole-home humidifier, scheduling duct cleanings, and using air purifiers—you can keep your indoor air fresh and reduce allergens and pollutants. Regular ventilation and HVAC maintenance further support better IAQ, ensuring that your home remains a safe and comfortable space throughout the colder months.
At AComfort, we’re committed to helping you maintain excellent indoor air quality. Our team offers professional HVAC maintenance, duct cleaning, and IAQ solutions designed to keep your home healthy. Contact us today to learn more about our services and get your home ready for fall and winter.