Indoor Air Quality Tips For Winter

During the winter months we spend a lot of time indoors. Low humidty, dust, cold and flu viruses, cooking smoke and fumes – all can create unhealthy conditions inside your home. Indoor air quality is dependent on many factors, but there are some important steps that you can take to keep the air healthier, safer and more comfortable inside your home.

Air Filtration

One of the most important steps you can take to keep the air clean is to change your furnace air filter regularly. For most 1" pleated filters, that means replacing the filter once per month to keep the air clean and the furnace operating efficiently.

If there are pets or allergy sufferers in the home, consider a whole house HEPA air filtration system to reduce pet dander and allergens. To kill airborne viruses and bacteria, a UV air cleaning system is your best option.

Maintain Proper Humidity Levels

During the winter relative humidity levels between 30-40% are ideal. If humidity levels are too low, you may experience dry, cracked skin and upper respiratory irritation. A whole house humidifier that works in combination with your home's heating system is a better option than room humidifiers, which can raise humidity too much  and can harbor mold and bacteria.

Radon and Carbon Monoxide

Many of the most harmful contaminants in the home are unseen. Carbon monoxide and radon are colorless, odorless gases that can cause serious health problems or death. Gas furnaces, water heaters, dryers and other appliances that produce carbon monoxide exhaust must be properly vented to the outside of the home. CO detectors should be installed on every level of your home.

Have your home tested for radon. If radon levels are higher than EPA recommended guidelines, there are special exhaust systems can be installed to improve ventilation to reduce exposure.