5 Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality This Winter
Did you know?
“Americans, on average, spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors, where the concentrations of some pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations.” - EPA
In the process of insulating our homes to ensure that the warm air doesn’t escape in the winter, we may also be trapping harmful pollutants indoors. According to the EPA, typical pollutants of concern include combustion byproducts (such as carbon monoxide), radon, pet dander, mold, pesticides, lead, asbestos, ozone, and various volatile organic compounds.
While this list of pollutants is daunting, there are some simple ways to improve the air quality in your home and protect your family.
Dust, vacuum, and clean regularly: A consistent routine of dusting, vacuuming, and washing fabrics can help you manage airborne pollutants, especially pet dander. The EPA recommends washing sheets and blankets weekly in hot water as well as using allergen-proof mattresses and pillow covers.
Let some fresh air in on warmer days: On warmer days, it’s a good idea to turn off your system and open the windows to let fresh air in. Increasing ventilation is a simple way to allow indoor air pollution to escape. Fun Fact: Many people in European countries open their windows for a few minutes before bedtime during the winter, even on the coldest days! This practice is called “lüften” in Germany and allows fresh air circulation and a better night’s sleep.
Have your HVAC system serviced regularly: If you’re not changing your filter frequently or getting regular maintenance on your HVAC system, you might be blowing particulates like dust mites, mold spores, and pollen throughout your home! Your HVAC system doesn’t just spread these particles; it can even harbor them! Schedule a routine maintenance check to ensure you don’t have dust, pollen, moisture, and other allergens on the blower fans and in your ductwork. Maintenance will extend the life of your HVAC system—just like an oil change extends the life of your car!
Change HVAC filters regularly: Changing your filter every six months helps maintain healthy air quality. Choosing the right filter can make a big difference. We recommend high-efficiency air filters. The higher the MERV, the smaller the particles they can remove. Some higher MERV filters can negatively impact your system. It is important to choose the correct filters and discuss this with the experts.
Invest in an air purification system: Air purifiers or Electronic Air Cleaners (EACs) are installed in your HVAC system’s return and treat the air throughout your entire home. These devices are filter-based and use fans to pull the air in your home through a series of filters that remove harmful airborne particles like dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria before they enter your HVAC unit. Air Scrubbers are another option to consider. Filters are essential, but contaminants like mold, bacteria, allergens, and pet odors are so small that they can pass through filters. An Air Scrubber is installed directly into your HVAC system’s supply to clean and purify indoor air going into your home. When you turn on your air conditioner, fan, or furnace, air flows through UV light waves and activated carbon filters. This destroys viruses, germs, bacteria, mold, chemicals, odors, and allergens.
From regular cleaning and HVAC maintenance checks to frequent high-efficiency air filter changes, you can decrease the number of pollutants inside your home and breathe cleaner air.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us to discuss the benefits of an air purifier and/or air scrubber. There are many models on the market, and understanding the benefits of each one and how they work to clean your air can help you find the right value for your home.
