Improving Indoor Air Quality During Winter: Tips for a Healthier Home

Winter brings a unique set of challenges when it comes to maintaining indoor air quality. The cold temperatures outside make us turn on the heat and close the windows, drying out the air while spending more time indoors with staff, customers, children, and pets. These factors can lead to poor air quality and subsequent health issues.

With a few simple steps put together by DAI Restore, you can improve the air inside your home, ensuring a healthier and more comfortable environment for you and your family.

1. Ventilation: Let Fresh Air In

While it’s tempting to seal up your home tightly during the winter to keep the heat in, poor ventilation can quickly lead to stale air, a buildup of pollutants, and excess moisture.

• Open Windows When Possible: On days when the temperature is mild, consider opening windows for short periods to allow fresh air to circulate throughout the home. Even 10-15 minutes a day can make a huge difference. Pro-tip: this is especially helpful to do after someone in your house has been sick.
• Use Exhaust Fans: Turn on exhaust fans in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry rooms to reduce moisture levels and to help remove cooking odors, chemicals, and other pollutants. 
• Install an HRV/ERV System: If you’re looking for a more advanced solution, a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) or Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) can exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while conserving heat. These systems are especially useful in tightly sealed homes.

2. Controlling Humidity

In colder months the air can become very dry, especially if you use space heaters or central heating. Low humidity can cause dry skin, irritation in your respiratory system, and static electricity. On the other hand, too much moisture can lead to mold growth and dust mites. The ideal indoor humidity level is between 30% and 50%. Here’s how to achieve this:

• Use a Humidifier: A humidifier can help add moisture to the air, alleviating dry skin and respiratory discomfort. These devices are especially useful if you have a wood or gas fireplace that burns frequently. Humidifiers are great to put in bedrooms, as well, to help keep air moist to improve sleep and air quality. Pro-tip: make sure to clean it regularly to prevent mold buildup inside the unit.
• Dehumidify Problem Areas: Not to be confused with a humidifier, a dehumidifier removes excess moisture from damp spaces. This will help prevent mold growth and keep the air more breathable. Dehumidifiers are typically used in basements and bathrooms, but feel free to use one in a space that holds moisture more than others in your home or building.

3. Reduce Allergens: Cleaner Air Means Better Breathing

Believe it or not, winter is a time when allergens, like dust, pet dander, and pollen, can accumulate indoors. With doors and windows closed all season long, the same air circulates, causing these allergens to build up. Some of these tips might seem self explanatory, but here are some ways you can reduce them:

• Use HEPA Filters: Putting HEPA filters in your HVAC system or a standalone air purifier can help capture airborne allergens. This is another easy way to reduce stale air in your spaces. Pro-tip: regularly change the filters in your system to ensure they’re functioning at their best.
• Vacuum Regularly: As we all know, allergens can settle on carpets, rugs, and upholstery. Make sure to vacuum your home at least once a week with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter to trap allergens rather than release them back into the air. If you have pets, we recommend vacuuming at least four times a week to remove stubborn pet dander and dirt. For a detailed carpet and upholstery cleaning, consider calling DAI Restore for a fresh start and early spring cleaning!
• Wash Bedding and Curtains: Dust mites thrive on bedding and curtains. Wash sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in hot water once a week to eliminate dust mites and allergens. For curtains, consider machine-washable options or regularly clean them using a vacuum attachment.
• Dust Regularly: Use a damp cloth or a microfiber duster to trap dust, preventing it from floating in the air. Wipe down surfaces in high-traffic areas, and don’t forget places like ceiling fans and baseboards.

4. Prevent Mold Buildup

Mold thrives in damp, dark areas, which are more common in the winter due to condensation and poor ventilation (as mentioned in our points above). This issue can negatively affect your indoor air quality and lead to respiratory issues. DAI wrote about how to protect your home from winter damage, but here are some additional ways to prevent mold buildup:

• Fix Leaks: Any leaks in pipes, windows, or roofs should be repaired immediately to prevent water from seeping into your home. This moisture can encourage mold growth, especially in areas like basements and bathrooms.
• Clean Damp Areas: Ensure rooms that are more inclined to host mold are well-ventilated, dry, and cleaned regularly. Use mold-resistant cleaning products and inspect for visible signs of mold growth.

5. Other Considerations for Cleaner Indoor Air

• Avoid Smoking Indoors: Smoking indoors significantly lowers air quality. Smoke lingers inside well after you have finished, leaving remnants of particles in your home. 
• Choose Natural Cleaning Products: Harsh chemicals in cleaning products can contribute to poor air quality. Choose eco-friendly, natural cleaning solutions that are free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can release harmful gases into the air.
• House Plants: Consider getting some houseplants. Certain plants, like spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants, are known to help purify indoor air. They can absorb toxins and increase oxygen levels in your home. 

Maintaining good indoor air quality during the winter months is essential for your health and well-being. Taking these simple steps will help ensure that you and your home or business can breathe easier all season long!