When the chill of winter settles over Evansville, we all spend more time indoors trying to stay cozy. But did you know that winter can bring challenges to your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ)? Between closed windows and the constant use of your heating system, it’s easy for your home’s air to become dry, stale, or even filled with pollutants. Let’s talk about how you can improve indoor air quality during Evansville’s winter months to keep your home feeling fresh and healthy.
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters in Winter
When we’re cooped up indoors, the air we breathe matters more than ever. Without proper ventilation, dust, pet dander, and allergens can build up. Dry air from heating systems can make breathing uncomfortable and even irritate your skin and throat. Poor IAQ doesn’t just affect comfort—it can also impact your family’s health, causing issues like allergies, asthma flare-ups, or even frequent colds.
Tips for Better IAQ This Winter
Improving indoor air quality doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy cleaner, fresher air all season long.
1. Regularly Change HVAC Filters
Your heating system works overtime in winter, and its filter traps dust, allergens, and other pollutants. A dirty filter can restrict airflow and spread particles throughout your home. To improve indoor air quality, change your filter every 1-3 months during the winter.
2. Invest in a Humidifier
Winter air can be incredibly dry, which affects not just your skin but also your respiratory system. Adding a humidifier to your home helps maintain a healthy moisture level. This not only makes the air feel more comfortable but also reduces static electricity and helps protect wooden furniture from cracking.
3. Employ Good Cleaning Habits
Dust and debris can quickly build up in winter when windows stay closed. Regularly vacuuming, dusting, and mopping can prevent pollutants from accumulating. Don’t forget to clean areas like ceiling fans, vents, baseboards, and even duct work. There are so many places dust loves to hide!
4. Ventilate Your Home
It may seem counterintuitive to open windows in winter, but letting in fresh air for just a few minutes each day can improve IAQ. Crack open a window or door while cooking or showering to reduce moisture buildup and odors.
5. Use Air Purifiers
Air purifiers are excellent tools for capturing allergens, dust, and even bacteria. Place one in commonly used rooms, like the living room or bedrooms, for cleaner air. Look for models with HEPA filters for the best results.
6. Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance
Your HVAC system is essential to keeping your home warm and comfortable, but it can also impact your IAQ. Scheduling a professional tune-up ensures your system is running efficiently and helps prevent dirt and debris from circulating through your home. At Brackett Heating, Air & Plumbing, we’re proud to offer top-notch HVAC services to help keep your system in great shape.
How Plants Can Help with Better Indoor Air Quality
Houseplants do more than add a touch of green to your home—they can also help purify the air. Plants like spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants naturally filter toxins and produce oxygen. Just be sure to pick plants that are safe for kids and pets if you have them.
The Role of Proper Ventilation
Good ventilation is key to better IAQ, especially in winter. Without it, pollutants can become trapped inside your home. Make sure your exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom are working properly, and consider adding a whole-home ventilation system for year-round freshness.
Trust Brackett Heating, Air & Plumbing for Your IAQ Needs
Since 1949, Brackett Heating, Air & Plumbing has been helping families in Evansville, IN, breathe easier. We’re family-owned and operated, and we take pride in delivering excellent service with honesty and integrity. Whether you need an HVAC tune-up, a humidifier installation, or advice on improving your IAQ, we’re here to help.
Breathe Easier This Winter
Winter in Evansville doesn’t have to mean stale, dry air in your home. By taking steps to improve indoor air quality, you can create a comfortable, healthy space for your family. Whether it’s changing your filters, adding a humidifier, or calling Brackett Heating, Air & Plumbing for expert advice, better IAQ is within reach.
Let’s make this winter one where you and your family can breathe easier and feel better in every room of your home.
