Dry, stuffy air, and scents that linger much longer than they should. These are the hallmarks of the winter season and its notoriously poor air quality. They can not only make the winter months harder, but can damage your health, as well.
Since it’s not so easy to crack open a window in colder months, air quality during winter suffers. But what many don’t realize is that winter maintenance can go a long way to maintaining high air quality.
In this guide, we’ll discuss a few simple things you can do to breathe more easily when enjoying the cozy warmth of home.
1. Change the Air Filters to Improve Air Quality During Winter
The air filters in your home are what trap dust, grime, and other allergens. These serve as the most important barrier between your home and the outside world. But what many fail to realize is that air filters need replacement every 6 months.
Check your filters if you’re not sure when you last replaced them. Bad filters will have so much dust that it comes off by touching it with a finger. Make sure not to inhale this dust when replacing them.
Get all the air filters in your home in the same go. Most will be in the ceiling, requiring a stepladder to access them. Check every nook and cranny for vents you may have missed.
2. Keep the House Clean
Much of your poor air quality is from pollutants in the home. This can come in the form of pet dander, mold, and dust buildup.
Dust hard surfaces with a wet towel to trap dust particulate matter. Wash linens and sheets on a regular basis. Vacuum or sweep floors on a regular basis.
Consider getting an air filter to reduce the pollutant content in the air. This air filter can serve as an auxiliary to your HVAC system to capture particles that slip past its filter.
3. Use Humidifiers
One of the worst parts of winter is how dry the air can get. Symptoms can exacerbate asthma, dry skin, and sickness like a sore throat. These make an already unpleasant month worse.
Humidifiers are a quick, cheap, and easy way to humidify the air. Ideally, you should locate these humidifiers wherever you spend the most time. Keep the reservoir full of water, and change filters on a regular basis.
A humidifier can help with air quality while you sleep, too. Keep a well-ventilated room with a fan and ventilator.
Schedule HVAC Maintenance
Air quality during winter can worsen seasonal sickness and make it uncomfortable to be inside. Rather than opening a window to let cold air in, you can consider taking a few small steps to improve your home’s air quality. Winter air quality will be more bearable and pleasant if you keep the above tips in mind.
MetFab Heating & Cooling is your go-to for HVAC maintenance of all kinds. Schedule an appointment to make sure your winter maintenance is taken care of before it gets too cold.