Winter in Greenville, Texas, means cozy nights, holiday gatherings, and more time indoors. But while we’re enjoying the warmth and comfort of home, winter also brings a lesser-known challenge: poor indoor air quality.
When we seal up our windows and crank up the heat, we’re not just keeping the cold out but trapping in pollutants. This can lead to indoor air that is 5 times more polluted than what you’d find outside!
Maintaining a healthy home environment is a top priority for our customers, especially during the colder months. So, at Wright’s Air, we feel we should explore the ins and outs of indoor air pollution in winter and how you can make simple changes to keep indoor air as clean and fresh as possible.
Why Winter Worsens Indoor Air Quality
During winter, it’s natural to seal doors and windows tightly to conserve heat. Unfortunately, this also limits ventilation, causing pollutants to build up indoors.
Familiar sources of indoor air pollutants include cooking, wood-burning stoves, household cleaners, pets, dust, and mold. For many homeowners, this combination of factors can turn a cozy indoor environment into an aggravating den of respiratory issues, allergies, and long-term health problems.
Understanding the Main Sources of Indoor Air Pollution
Let’s break down the primary sources of indoor air pollution in winter and discuss simple solutions to manage them.
Wood Stoves, Fireplaces, & Space Heaters
Who doesn’t love a warm fire on a cold night? But heating sources like wood stoves and fireplaces can produce significant air pollutants, including carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and nitrogen dioxide. This also applies to unvented space heaters, primarily if they’re powered by gas or kerosene.
Health Impacts: Exposure to these pollutants can cause symptoms ranging from headaches and dizziness to respiratory issues and, at high levels, even fatal poisoning.
Solutions: Electric heaters are a safer alternative to fuel-burning space heaters. If you use a wood stove or fireplace, ensure it’s adequately vented and have it inspected regularly. Also, if you use a gas heater, install a carbon monoxide detector to monitor CO levels.
VOCs from Building Materials & Furnishings
If you’ve ever bought new furniture or installed new carpets, you might have noticed a strong chemical odor – that’s from VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). VOCs are chemicals that vaporize at room temperature and are often found in paint, varnish, carpeting, pressed wood furniture, and adhesives.
Health Impacts: VOCs are known to cause headaches, nausea, and irritation, and long-term exposure can even increase the risk of certain cancers.
Solutions: Choose products labeled as “low-VOC” or “no-VOC.” When bringing new items like furniture into the home, consider airing them out in the garage first. Avoid home improvement projects like painting or carpeting installation during winter if you cannot ventilate the space adequately.
Household Products, Cleaning Supplies & Air Fresheners
We all love a fresh-smelling, clean home. Unfortunately, many household products like air fresheners and cleaning sprays contain chemicals that release VOCs and other irritants.
Health Impacts: Indoor pollution can increase when we use products with harsh chemicals, especially during winter when ventilation is limited.
Solutions: Opt for natural or low-toxicity cleaning products. Consider homemade cleaning solutions, such as vinegar and baking soda, which can clean effectively without releasing harmful chemicals. Avoid synthetic air fresheners; a few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball can create a fresh scent without filling your air with VOCs.
How to Improve Indoor Air Quality During Winter
Now that we understand some of the primary sources of indoor air pollution let’s explore ways to keep indoor air fresh and clean.
Improved Ventilation: Let Fresh Air In
Ventilation is a powerful way to reduce the concentration of pollutants indoors. However, it’s often overlooked during the colder months, when homeowners are reluctant to open windows and let the heat escape.
Open Windows Briefly: A few minutes daily can make a difference. Choose a time when outdoor air quality is better, like mid-morning, to air out your home.
Ventilation Solutions: Consider energy-efficient ventilation solutions like heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) or energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), which bring in fresh air without letting heat escape. Your friends at Wright’s Air can install a system like this in your home.
Air Purification: Clean the Air Directly
Air purifiers can remove indoor pollutants, including dust, pet dander, and smoke particles. Not all air purifiers are created equal, so choosing the right type for your needs is essential.
HEPA Filters: These are highly effective for removing particulates like dust and pet dander. Many air purifiers come with HEPA filters, which capture up to 99.97% of particles.
Activated Carbon Filters: If you’re concerned about VOCs, consider an air purifier with an activated carbon filter, which helps capture gases and odors.
Whole-Home Solutions: If you want to go all-in, whole-home air purifiers can be integrated into your HVAC system. Give us a call if you would like more information about options that fit your home and lifestyle.
Extra Tips for Cleaner Winter Air
In addition to the basics, here are some bonus tips to keep your indoor air as fresh as possible:
Dust and Vacuum Regularly: Dust, pet dander, and other particles settle on surfaces and can recirculate into the air. Vacuum carpets, curtains, and upholstered furniture, and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter if possible.
Wash Bedding Frequently: Dust mites thrive in Bedding. Wash your sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in hot water at least once a week to reduce allergens.
Monitor for Radon and Carbon Monoxide: Radon and carbon monoxide are invisible threats hazardous during winter. We strongly suggest that our customers spend a small amount of money on detectors for each. This small step can literally save lives.
Limit Use of High-Pollution Sources: If you have a wood-burning fireplace, only use it when necessary. You should also minimize using candles and incense, which can contribute to indoor pollution.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining clean indoor air during winter doesn’t have to be complicated. You can make a big difference in your home’s air quality by reducing pollutants, improving ventilation, and using air purifiers where needed. Winter is the perfect time to ensure your home is as healthy as warm and welcoming.
If you’re ready to improve indoor air, Wright’s Air is here to help. As your Greenville HVAC experts, we are ready to provide solutions that meet your needs. Reach out to us today at (903) 455-5662 to schedule a consultation, and let us help you make this winter your healthiest yet!