Winter Indoor Air Quality
December 20, 2022
At Mohr Air Conditioning, we want to stress that Indoor Air Quality is essential all year round but can be even more critical in the winter months when you’re stuck inside because of the frigid winter temperatures. Several health effects are linked to poor indoor air quality. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollutants can cause severe illness for high-risk groups such as the elderly, young children, and anyone with certain preexisting illnesses.
See below for Mohr’s tips for maintaining healthy indoor air quality all winter long.
Pollutants
Many homeowners tend to use supplemental heating sources during the winter to keep their homes warm. Wood stoves and fireplaces are a standard solution for most homes, but many forget that they can produce gaseous pollutants that can be harmful if inhaled. To reduce these pollutants, be sure you’ve maintained you ventilation systems to ensure healthy air is being circulated.
HVAC Maintenance
Indoor Air Quality in the winter relies heavily on your HVAC unit being in tip-top shape. During the winter months, your unit will most likely be running continuously; filtering air and keeping your home warm can be taxing, so be sure that you have your unit properly maintained so it doesn’t fail or run into performance issues.
Cleaning
Keeping your home clean can help reduce the amount of dust, allergens, and other pollutants you kick up into the air as you move around your home. However, it's important to remember to only clean with natural products, as many cleaners can contain harmful chemicals.
Changing your HVAC Filters
Your HVAC unit is responsible for circulating air throughout your home. If you don't change your filter regularly, you could be circulating already polluted air. In most cases, using a HEPA filter will give you the best results. Contact a certified HVAC technician to find out which filter best suits your unit and lifestyle.
Air Duct Cleaning
Dirty air ducts can contribute to poor indoor air quality. Your air ducts can collect dust, mold, and even disease-causing microbes from vermin dander and insect droppings. To check your air ducts, remove your vents and take a peek inside; call Mohr AC immediately if you notice any of the issues mentioned above.
Portable Air Purifiers
An air purifier that can remove particulate pollution and VOCs can improve your winter indoor air quality. Unlike traditional air purification technology that solely trap particles.
Air purifiers come in all shapes and sizes and can fit almost any need. When shopping for an efficient purifier, the clean air delivery rate (CADR) will indicate which size purifier to buy. The higher the CADR, the larger area it will serve.
Air Fresheners
Air Fresheners may make your home smell better, but the harsh reality is that most of them contain harmful chemicals that only make things worse. Opt for a high-quality air cleaner instead. It will remove the odor far better than the freshener.
If you have any questions on indoor air quality or are interested in scheduling a visit from one of our indoor air quality specialists, give us a call!