Many homeowners might not be aware that indoor air quality (IAQ) tends to worsen during the winter. This can happen for various reasons, including buying new clothing and upholstered items, keeping the doors and windows closed to conserve heat, and more people gathering together inside. The worse your IAQ gets, the more it might take a toll on your health. The good news is that there are several steps you can take this winter to keep your IAQ as good as possible.
Change the HVAC Air Filter
Your HVAC air filter needs to be changed every few months at least. However, it doesn’t hurt to change it more often, especially if you have more people in your home than usual, you’re blasting the heat, and you’re keeping your doors and windows closed. It takes only minutes to do, and your IAQ and HVAC system will be better for it.
Don’t Smoke Indoors
Many people stay inside to smoke rather than doing it outdoors because they don’t want to be out in the cold. Although being out in the cold and inclement weather can be inconvenient, it’s better than allowing the smoke to infiltrate your space. If possible, you should also try to stay away from the home so the smoke doesn’t find its way inside. If you have guests over during the holidays or any other time during the winter, make sure they’re also smoking outdoors rather than in your home.
Open the Windows
You don’t need to leave the windows open long to allow fresh air to flow through your home. Even as little as five or 10 minutes can make a significant difference. Open all the windows every day to let the fresh air circulate, especially while you’re cleaning or cooking or immediately after. It might feel inconvenient to deal with the cold, but doing the practice on a daily basis can be great for your IAQ.
Put New Fabrics Outdoors
You might be surprised to hear that there are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in many of the fabrics you’re bringing into your home. For example, if you bought new clothes to wear for the holidays, purchased a new winter coat, or got yourself a new rug, chances are the VOCs are present and worsening your IAQ.
The best thing you can do is put the items outside for a few days so they can release the VOCs into the outdoor air rather than into your home. Washing them once you bring them back inside can also be beneficial. The method might sound like a hassle, but it’s better than the alternative.
Use Natural Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning often gets kicked into full gear during the winter as many people gather indoors for holiday get-togethers. Harsh chemicals and cleaners are common, and while they might seem like a good idea at the time, they’re contributing to poor IAQ. Opt for more natural options instead, such as using white vinegar. However, make sure to understand what you’re mixing and do research to ensure there are no problems.
Get a Complete Home Cleaning
Dust is one of the biggest contributing factors to IAQ, especially considering it contains everything from pieces of bugs to pet dander. Consider getting a complete home cleaning at least once this winter. The housekeeping team can do a top-to-bottom cleaning of every room, so you have a blank slate to start with after everything is clean and sanitized.
A great time to do this is right before the holidays. The housekeepers can remove built-up dust and help prepare your home for any gatherings you have on your schedule. Keep in mind that certain tasks might be optional and require adding on for an extra fee, such as cleaning the oven or the inside of the refrigerator.
When deciding who to hire, look for housekeepers who use natural cleaning products so you can limit the VOCs in your home. If you have pets, let the team know before you book their services so they can use products that are also pet-friendly. After the housekeeper leaves, open the windows for as long as you’re comfortable to release any smells from the cleaning supplies.
Take Precautions While Cooking
During the winter, many people amp up how much cooking they do. Considering the inclement and cold weather, the time indoors is a great chance to meal prep and stock up your freezer. You may also have guests over and need to make sure they’re fed. However, cooking can contribute to poor IAQ, especially if you’re frying items on the stove. Don’t worry; you don’t need to stop cooking.
One way to combat this issue is to open your windows while cooking. This lets the fresh air filter through while releasing pollutants. Another is to ensure your exhaust fan is running above your stove. It draws in the pollutants and keeps them from navigating through your space.
Schedule an HVAC Seasonal Tune-Up Appointment
Keeping your HVAC system in good shape is one of the best things you can do for your IAQ this winter. In addition to regularly changing the filter, a great way to do that is to schedule a seasonal tune-up appointment. It should ideally happen in the fall before you turn the heat on in winter, but you can always take the “better late than never” approach if you have yet to do it. A technician will evaluate your system, clean its components, replace the filter, and ensure everything works correctly. Make sure to schedule another HVAC tune-up appointment for spring, or join a maintenance club so you don’t forget ongoing tune-ups and get savings on repairs.
Use Non-Toxic Candles
There’s something wonderful about lighting candles to create a cozy vibe in the winter. However, many of your beloved candles release significant VOCs into the air and contribute to poor IAQ. The practice can be especially damaging if you light them for hours at a time, don’t put them in a well-ventilated area, and/or burn them daily.
You don’t necessarily have to give up your beloved candles. Opting for more natural versions, such as beeswax candles, can be a better alternative. However, natural doesn’t mean VOC-free. They’ll still release VOCs, albeit not as much as other options on the market. Continue to light them in a well-ventilated area and limit how long you burn them. If you have pets, make sure that any of the ingredients won’t be harmful to them.
Run Your Bathroom Exhaust Fan
Chances are you run your bathroom exhaust fan while you shower or take a bath, but if you turn it off the minute you step out of your bathroom, it’s not doing your IAQ any favors. Running the exhaust fan can help reduce indoor pollutants while decreasing humidity levels that can lead to mold growth. Leave your bathroom exhaust fan running for upwards of an hour once you’re done with your shower or bath so it can continue to work its magic.
Invest in IAQ Products
Professional IAQ testing can reveal the contaminants in your home, and allows for pros to develop a custom plan to remove them. This might include IAQ services like humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air purifiers, UV lights for HVAC ductwork, and other items to make your indoor air cleaner than ever.
Don’t let poor IAQ plague your home this winter. Contact High 5 Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today in the greater Denver metro area for high-quality IAQ solutions. Additional services are available, including furnace and air conditioning repair, installation, and maintenance. We also offer 24/7 emergency assistance.
