With the weather getting colder and colder outside, odds are you’re going to be spending more time bundled up inside your warm, cozy house this winter. Since you’re going to be breathing indoor air so often, it will be especially important that your home’s air quality is at a healthy, comfortable level. The quality of the air outside is naturally better than that of the air inside, and if you keep your house mostly sealed up during these cold months, it will only lower the indoor air quality further.
Poor Air Quality Symptoms
If the air quality in your house is in poor shape, you may notice some of the following issues:
- An itchy, scratchy throat, especially when you wake up in the morning
- Allergic reactions, especially ones that make you feel as if you have a cold
- Headaches, which may stem from allergies or from sleep that’s less restful
- Noticeable dust particles in the air, especially when the sun is shining
4 Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) This Winter
When the air in your house is filled with contaminants and irritants like dust, dirt, and pet dander, it can not only affect your breathing comfort but also have several negative health effects. Fortunately, there are some measures you can take to keep your indoor air quality as high as possible this winter.
1. Have Your Ducts Inspected
When your HVAC appliances circulate air throughout your home, that air has to travel through your ductwork before it gets distributed into different parts of the house. If these air ducts are dirty or damaged, though, it can negatively affect the quality of the air you’re breathing. When there’s too much dust, dirt or loose debris, it’s likely to get picked up during circulation and mixed in with the interior atmosphere. Alternatively, if your ducts have cracks or leaks, it can allow air from your attic or wall spaces to leak into your general air supply. This air could contain more irritants and contaminants, and that will only bring down your home’s overall air quality even further. If you bring in a local ductwork professional, they’ll be able to clean your ducts and inspect them for damage.
2. Purchase an Air Purifier
Air purifiers are small, inexpensive devices that you can set up in different parts of your home. They work by drawing air into the unit and automatically catching the contaminant particles, thereby removing them from the oxygen that you’re breathing. You can keep these purifiers running 24/7 at very little cost. Some advanced units even come with sensors that can detect the level of irritants in the air around them and automatically adjust their fan speed according to the current need.
3. Use a Humidifier
While you certainly don’t want to be breathing contaminated air, air that’s too dry can also have plenty of negative effects. Dry air is common during the winter, and it can result in respiratory issues, skin irritation and dry eyes. It can also be damaging to your wood floors and furniture, and it will make your home feel colder than it really is. A humidifier comes in handy by replenishing the moisture of your indoor air and making it healthier and more comfortable to breathe. You can choose between an in-line humidifier, which will be installed onto your heating system, or a completely separate unit, which can be purchased in several different types.
4. Clean Your Vents
After your heated air makes its way through your ductwork, it has to pass through your home’s air vents before it gets to you and warms you up. However, dust and dirt can accumulate inside these vents over time. If too much of it builds up, it not only puts extra strain on your heating system, but it also results in those irritants getting kicked up into your air. To avoid having to breathe these particulates in, make a point to thoroughly clean your vents on a monthly basis. You’ll need to use a screwdriver to remove each protective cover, and then you should be able to effectively clean them out with a long vacuum cleaner extension hose.
Since 2002, our team at Jco Heating A/C Electrical has been reliably serving residents of the Greater Springfield, OR, area. We are proud to offer high-quality, consistent results and a broad array of services. You can rely on us for all your heating, cooling, indoor air quality, air purification and electrical needs. That includes installation, repair and maintenance. We make an effort to establish long-term relationships with our customers by exceeding their expectations and gaining their trust. We are also a family-owned and -operated business. Our primary goal is to deliver dependable comfort services to both residential and commercial clients, and we look forward to continuing to do so for years to come.
If you’re in need of professional IAQ services or something else, we would love to be the ones to provide them. Call us up at Jco Heating A/C Electrical today, and schedule an appointment. For more comprehensive solutions in the Springfield area, our technicians can help match your heating, cooling, or air quality needs. We are concerned for your comfort in every season. Contact us today, and let us help you breathe easily throughout the winter as well as the rest of the year.
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