8 Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality in Winter

When winter sets in, it’s normal to shut your windows, tighten your latches, and turn your heat up. Doing so helps to keep your indoor air warm. However, it can also cause your indoor air to be stagnant. Stagnant air can lead to poor air quality in your home.

Poor indoor air quality can cause a lot of issues for your family. As irritants and toxins build up, they increase your vulnerability to sore throats, congestion, and asthmatic symptoms. Here, we provide tips for improving indoor air quality in the winter in Niles, OH and surrounding areas.

1. Perform Air Testing

Our HVAC technicians at A To Z Dependable Services can help you detect the underlying issues affecting your indoor air quality. Some potential problems that could be affecting your air quality include the presence of bacteria and allergens.

A comprehensive inspection will check for volatile organic compounds, mold, and radon. Afterward, the technician will help you identify possible solutions to improve your indoor air quality.

2. Upgrade Your Air Filters

Depending on the type and quality of your air filters, you will need to replace them regularly. Some filters must be changed monthly, while others can last for several months. An air filter helps to trap large particles like mold, pet dander, and allergens. Filters can also trap smoke, smog, dust, and bacteria. Check with your qualified technician for advice on which filter is best for your particular circumstances.

3. Install a UV Light Air Purifier

Setting up a UV light air purifier in your Niles, OH home will help sanitize parts of your ductwork, AC unit, and furnaces by killing airborne bacteria and germs. Doing so helps to clean the air before it is pushed into your house.

These UV light air purifiers are also helpful if any of your family members suffer from asthma, allergies, or respiratory conditions. Don’t forget to replace your UV light bulb at least annually.

4. Consider Portable Air Purifiers

Placing air purifiers in certain spots can help improve the air quality in the areas where you spend most of your time. You can buy a portable air purifier with HEPA filters to remove most airborne impurities in your space. Ensure you pick one with high efficiency in collecting contaminants from the air.

5. Maintain Clean Ductwork

Dirty ductwork can affect the efficiency of your air filters and purifiers, leading to major heating and cooling problems. Dust, mold, dirt, and pet hair get blown through your ventilation and will affect air quality. This problem can also increase your exposure to illnesses.

It’s advisable to clean your ductwork every three to five years. Avoid a DIY approach with the intensive cleaning process, and let a qualified technician perform the service for you. Otherwise, you’ll risk damaging your ductwork.

6. Install Humidifiers in Your Home

Typically, the relative humidity level in your house should range between 30% and 50%, but it’s challenging to maintain an optimal humidity level during the winter weather. Your heating system will help to keep you warm but will also dry out the air. Dry air makes you and your loved ones more susceptible to dry skin, itchy eyes, and sore throats.

Home humidifiers are a valuable investment for your health and the health of your loved ones. Consult with your HVAC technician to help choose the best humidification system for your home.

7. Keep Your Windows Open When Possible

The winter weather can get so cold that opening your house windows becomes undesirable. Even so, it is good to let out the stale indoor air and allow fresh outdoor air into your home when possible.

8. Ventilate Your Bathrooms and Kitchens

Running exhaust fans in your bathroom and kitchen can help remove toxins in the air. Ventilation fans will drive out air from your rooms to prevent dampness. Preventing moisture buildup will reduce mold and mildew, improving your indoor air quality.

Besides air purification services, our team at A To Z Dependable Services can provide you with quality plumbing services, HVAC installation and repair, and bath and shower services in Niles, OH. Plumbing services include high-pressure jetting, trenchless sewer repair, drain cleaning, and sewer cleaning. Additionally, our bath and shower services include bathroom remodels. Our work is guaranteed, and we offer 24/7 availability for emergency repairs. Contact us at A To Z Dependable Services today for more information.