The winter season not only can make it chillier around our homes, but it can also cause indoor air quality to suffer if we’re not careful. Your home’s indoor air quality can be impacted by many things, including yourself, but luckily we can show you how to keep your home’s air feeling as fresh as a beautiful spring day with these tips!
Keeping An Eye Out For Moisture
Excess moisture in your home can be the perfect catalyst for mold and mildew growth around your home, leading to poor air quality. Luckily for you, the winter months usually make the air dryer, but that does not mean mold or mildew cannot grow around your home.
Take the time to inspect under your sinks and near your vents for any potential water damage. Look at your water bill for any higher than usual payments to see if you may have a pipe leak. Any excess moisture left untreated can create mold and mildew that not only smell but can be harmful to your respiratory health. Mold spores can spread quickly, so take the time to inspect your home.
Winter Dry Air
Funnily enough, while too much moisture around your home can be an issue, not enough moisture can also have a significant impact on your home’s indoor air quality. Dry winter air can cause annoying nosebleeds and dehydrate individuals faster, and some viruses like the flu can travel easier across dry environments.
If you need to introduce some moisture into your home, then a humidifier might help you in a pinch, but what if you don’t have the budget for a new humidifier? You can also help introduce some moisture into your home by getting some plants or air drying your laundry. Ensure that you also have proper insulation across your home to prevent any additional cold air from leaking inside your home.
General Dust And Grime
A clean home is a happy home, so if you have been letting those dirty dishes pile up or have not cleaned that carpet or rug, you may be harming your indoor air quality over time. Dust and grime around your home can gradually worsen your indoor air quality, but luckily the easy solution is to clean your residence regularly.
Dirty Air Filters
If you do not clean your air filters regularly, you risk having numerous pollutants and allergens clogging up your air vents. Not only can dirty air filters make your home smell, but they can circulate harmful particles that can put a strain on your lungs. If you smoke or live with someone who does smoke, make sure to change your air filters because the smoke carries toxic substances that can build up in your air filters and impact your home’s air quality.
Even your dry skin or your pet’s dander can clog up your air filters over time, causing a build-up of allergens that will eventually irritate your lungs if you forget to clean your filters. Wash your filters every two to three months and adequately dry them to avoid any mold growth.
If you have questions about how to improve your home’s indoor air quality or need help cleaning your HVAC unit’s filters or air ducts, give us a call at (616) 319-2121. At Haisma Heating & Cooling we want to help make sure your home’s air quality is near perfect!
