Why Your Home Has Poor Air Quality in Winter

Winter is here! As you start spending more time inside it's essential to think about the effects winter will have on your indoor air quality. Poor indoor air quality can lead to reduced health, more sick days and loss of productivity and efficiency.

Let's have a look at how winter can cause poor indoor air quality and the best way to combat this issue.

Heating Sources

One of the primary sources of poor air quality during winter is due to the increased use of heating sources like oil, gas, kerosene and coal. Sometimes, they can introduce pollutants into the air, primarily if appliances aren't maintained regularly. To avoid this, make sure you maintain or service your appliances every year to ensure they don't emit excessive indoor pollution into your home.

Insulation

Insulation can be a positive feature for efficiently heating homes, but it can also lead to air quality concerns for people inside. Layers of insulations and tight seals on doors and windows can prevent the fresh outside air from circulating indoors. This means contaminants like dust, bacteria and viruses have more chance to accumulate. To avoid this, consider ways to increase the distribution of fresh air in your home using things like whole-home ventilation systems and air purifiers.

Ventilation

In winter, you are less likely to open your windows and doors due to the cold temperatures, and as a result you massively reduce the level of ventilation in your home. The same is true for the ventilation that could come from the use of your air conditioner, and both affect air quality during winter. Changing your air filters regularly can help you to counteract the effects of decreased ventilation. It's really important to change your filters frequently, especially during the winter months, and air purifiers are also beneficial.

Smoke and Combustion Gases

We hope that you're already doing this, but don't smoke in your home! There is no question that smoking is bad for you, but secondhand smoke is arguably just as bad and lingers in the house long after the cigarette is put out. To allow for optimum indoor air quality, do not allow smoking of any kind in the house.

Fireplaces and heating systems are also to blame from smoke and other detrimental particles. These particles include gas, carbon monoxide, and other residual contaminants. Make sure you have a professional inspection and cleaning every winter.

Pets

Yes, your furry friends can also reduce indoor air quality. You might notice this more in winter as they spend more time indoors, sheltered from the cold. Pets shed hair and skin cells just like humans do, so if you or someone in your home suffers from allergies, you may notice that they are sneezing more often, experience itchy or running eyes more frequently or having problems breathing. Pet hair can be easily blown around the home thanks to air conditioning and heating systems, while blocking air filters and making them dirtier, faster. Combat air pollution from pets by vacuuming any excess hair and bathing pets regularly.

Now it's time for you to put these tips and suggestions into action, allowing you to take control of your indoor air quality leading to a healthier winter for you and your family. Take a look at our Buyer's Guide to find the right solution for you, or simply send an enquiry below.