Indoor air quality tends to diminish during the winter months. With the house sealed up against the weather, fresh air has trouble getting inside and contaminants remain trapped. Fortunately, from keeping your home clean to calling an experienced HVAC contractor for maintenance, there are many ways to make improvements. To get started, learn more below.
Why Does Winter Weather Cause Indoor Air Quality Issues?
During winter, homes receive little ventilation. As such, dust, mold, and even bacteria and viruses get trapped indoors and recirculate through the heating and cooling ducts.
Furthermore, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) tend to build up inside. These residual pollutants are off-gassed by commercial products throughout the home, including carpeting, paint, aerosol sprays, dry cleaning chemicals, and hobby supplies. Exposure to these compounds can lead to headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and eye, nose, and throat irritation.
Finally, cold weather dries out the air, which can cause sore throats, dry skin, and even nosebleeds. It also makes the temperature feel colder and contributes to static electricity in hair, clothing, and laundry.
How Can You Improve Indoor Air Quality?
You can reduce pollutant levels by dusting and vacuuming regularly. Also, step outside or into the garage when possible to use aerosol products, such as hairspray, cleaners, and paint.
To improve your indoor air further, contact a reputable HVAC contractor. They can install an air purifier to remove contaminants and a whole-house humidifier or dehumidifier to regulate moisture. Another solution is a heat recovery ventilator, which extracts heat energy from stale indoor air as it gets expelled and transfers it to the incoming cold air. This boosts fresh air inside without sacrificing warmth.
If you’re looking for a qualified HVAC contractor to help improve your indoor air quality, contact Jon’s Plumbing & Heating in Mount Vernon, OH. Our team serves Knox, Ashland, and Richland counties, and we’ve been an active member of the community since 1998. We also specialize in air cleaners, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and ventilation products. Visit our website for money-saving special offers, or call (740) 520-2312 to consult with one of our experienced Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Contractors®.
