Why Is Winter Bad for Indoor Air Quality?
Your indoor air quality impacts much more than just your comfort — it also plays a vital role in your health. Poor indoor air quality can cause a wide range of issues, from increased likelihood of bacterial and viral illnesses to exposure to dangerous mold spores. Unfortunately, homeowners in Northern Virginia struggle with air quality issues in the winter.
Here, the HVAC experts at Haller Enterprises discuss winter’s impact on indoor air quality and provide simple tips homeowners can use to improve their comfort and health this season.
Why Is Winter Bad for Indoor Air Quality?
There are many reasons why your indoor air quality tends to decline in the winter, especially in cold regions like Northern Virginia. Common causes include:
- Reduced ventilation: Well-sealed windows and doors keep your home warm, but it also means the air you breathe is recirculated, not fresh. This leads to a concentration of pollutants like dust, pet dander, and more.
- Use of heat: To keep their homes warm and cozy throughout the cold months, homeowners use their heating systems. These can circulate allergens and dust and may even emit combustion byproducts like carbon monoxide or nitrogen dioxide.
- Low humidity: Because cold air holds less moisture and heated indoor air tends to be dry, many homeowners will struggle with low humidity levels in the winter. This can cause dry skin, irritated nasal passages, and more.
- Added pollutants: Many winter indoor activities negatively impact your indoor air quality, including the use of scented candles and fireplaces.
- Mold: Homes without proper insulation can experience condensation on windows, which is a breeding ground for mold.
How To Improve Indoor Air Quality in Winter
Luckily for homeowners in Northern Virginia, there are a few simple tips and tricks for improving your indoor air quality during winter, including:
- Change your filters: Don’t wait for professional maintenance to change your HVAC air filters. Homeowners should replace these filters every one to three months to ensure proper airflow to your heating.
- HVAC maintenance: Routine heating maintenance can ensure that your system efficiently filters the air in your home. Homeowners can streamline this maintenance by enrolling in our maintenance plans for priority service and added peace of mind.
- Humidifier installation: Ideal indoor humidity levels are between 30% and 50%. Installation of a whole-home humidifier can restore moisture balance to your home and prevent excessive dryness.
- Duct cleaning: If your ductwork has accumulated dust and debris, your HVAC will spread it throughout your home along with your heated air. Regular duct cleaning can help ensure your air is free of particles and contaminants.
- Increase ventilation: Opening your windows for short periods allows fresh air to circulate throughout your home.
- Air purifier installation: A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter or air purifier can trap dust, allergens, and other airborne particles that lower indoor air quality.
Schedule Air Quality Services in Eastern & Central Pennsylvania
To ensure your air is always fresh and clean, turn to Haller Enterprises for all your indoor air quality needs. We’re proud to offer a wide range of services and products, including heating tune-ups, humidifier installation, and duct cleaning, to remove airborne pollutants from your air and improve filtration.
With same-day service from licensed and insured professionals, you can trust we’ll always be here for you. Plus, with our upfront pricing, improving your air won’t break the bank.
Schedule indoor air quality services in Pennsylvania by calling Haller Enterprises today.
