Best Ways To Improve Indoor Air Quality In The Winter
During the winter, most people spend a lot of time inside. Closed windows, heating systems, dust, and chemicals contribute to decreased indoor air quality.
Poor indoor air quality causes irritations of the eyes and lungs, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The damage doesn’t stop there; other poor air quality also causes other symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and dizziness.
You can prevent most of these harmful effects. Use the following tips to improve your indoor air quality this winter.
Begin With A Clean Home
Contents
The first step to healthy indoor air quality is a clean home. Dust, dirt, mites and some chemicals are common irritants to the lungs. Here are some inexpensive cleaning tips to create good air quality this winter:
- Sweep, vacuum and dust at least once a week. A microfiber cloth, duster or mop will pick up more of the dust. One great thing about microfiber is that you do not need to use cleaning products. Just dampen the cloth, and you are ready to go. Many microfiber cleaning supplies are machine washable.
- Use a doormat or rug at every door. The mat captures the dirt or debris, so your home stays cleaner.
- Use milder cleaning products for day-to-day cleaning. You may need something stronger for a deep clean. Many cleaning products contain irritating fragrances and solvents. Use household supplies like lemon juice, baking soda, and vinegar for day-to-day cleaning.
- Do a deep clean every few months or once a season.
- Make your home a smoke-free zone. According to Web MD, cigarettes contain more than 4,000 chemicals. These chemicals cause a range of health problems including damage to the lungs.
Let The Fresh Air In
In addition to a clean home, there are other inexpensive ways to improve air quality. For example, open your windows to air your house as often as possible. Consider using a fan to circulate air even during the winter.
House plants are lovely, and they also improve air quality. Yet, plants are also objects that may indirectly cause increased dust and humidity. Here are some tips to enjoy the benefits of house plants without the downsides:
- Dust your houseplants at least once a week
- Avoid over-watering your plants. It is bad for your plant, and over-watering can also raise your humidity levels.
Manage humidity levels in your home since high humidity encourages mold growth. Aim for a comfortable humidity level between 30% and 50%. Use a fan to help air out humid rooms like bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms, and kitchens.
Maintain Your Heating Systems
Your heating system works hard during the winter. Proper maintenance prevents many indoor air quality issues. Clean your vents and keep them free of mold.
Also, be sure to replace filters as recommended by your HVAC professional. Each filter type should be replaced at a specified interval. Be sure to schedule replacements on a calendar.
Furthermore, don’t’ forget to schedule a regular tune-up with your HVAC professional. An efficient, well-maintained heating system keeps your home comfortable and helps keep your air clean. It prevents unnecessary repairs and it prolongs your heating system’s lifespan. A heating system should receive a tune-up on an annual basis.
Use A (HEPA) Filtration System
Finally, consider using products that feature a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. This filtration system forces air through a very fine-textured mesh filter. It blocks dust, mites, pollen and other irritants from flowing through your air. You may find HEPA filters in vacuum cleaners, portable air purifiers, and more advanced filtration systems.
Heater Repair Easton
By taking a few preventative measures, you can enjoy high indoor air quality. Enlist the help of your HVAC professional to ensure a healthy and comfortable home in the winter and all year.
R.F.Ohl specializes in the maintenance and repair of all heating systems. We have provided heating and cooling services for the residents of the Lehigh Valley for over 30 years. We also offer heating oil delivery, propane delivery, and much more. For a list of all our home services, click here.
We service Bath PA 18014, Bethlehem PA 18015, Durham PA 18039, Easton PA 18040, Hellertown PA 18055, Kintnersville PA 18930, Martins Creek PA 18063, Nazareth PA 18064, Riegelsville PA 18077, Springtown PA 18081, Stockertown PA 18083, and Tatamy PA 18085. We also service all of Carbon County, Monroe County, Lehigh County, Northampton County, and Schuylkill County.
R.F. Ohl is an authorized Bryant dealer. HVAC contractors who hold this designation have been recognized by Bryant as offering exceptional customer service and highly skilled heating and cooling services. This means that R.F. Ohl has the skills, experience, and professionalism to properly care your Bryant heater or air conditioner. These heating and cooling systems have surpassed all other HVAC systems when it comes to reliability, comfort, and energy efficiency. Click here to learn more about Bryant HVAC systems.
Contact us today or give us a call at (610) 377-1098 if you have any questions.