The American Lung Association reports that the air quality indoors is often 2 to 5 times worse than the air outdoors. Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors, especially in the winter, so this degree of poor air quality can seriously threaten your health. Individuals with asthma, allergies, and other respiratory issues are especially susceptible to side effects of poor air quality.
Schaafsma Heating & Cooling is here to explain the impact winter weather can have on indoor air quality, especially in places like Michigan, where the weather can get unbearably cold.
4 Ways Winter Can Worsen Your Air Quality
Winter storms and cold temperatures can seriously worsen the indoor air quality in your home. This is because of factors such as:
Trapped Pollutants
In the winter, it’s common for people to tightly seal up their homes to keep the heat in. While this works to keep you warm, reduced ventilation means pollutants like dust, mold, pet dander, and allergens are trapped inside with you. This can create a buildup of contaminants in the air being recirculated throughout your home.
Increased Indoor Activity
During the colder months, people tend to spend less time outdoors than they would when the weather is warmer. More time spent inside means engaging in activities like cooking and bathing that lead to more moisture and airborne particles.
Heating Sources
You want to remain comfortable when the winter months roll around, so you probably use a heating source. Fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, and gas heaters are heating sources that can release additional pollutants in your home.
Dry Air
The air in the winter isn’t only cold, it can be extremely dry. This can contribute to lower moisture levels, which can be irritating for your skin and respiratory system. Dry air also allows other allergens to float around more freely.
How To Improve Your Home’s Air Quality in Winter
If you’re concerned about your indoor air quality, there are steps you can take to improve the air in your home. These include:
- Clean frequently
- Dust regularly
- Control humidity
- Open windows or use exhaust fans to improve ventilation
- Place houseplants throughout your home
- Replace or clean your HVAC filters regularly
- Invest in indoor air quality services
Choose Schaafsma for Expert Indoor Air Quality Solutions
The NATE-certified technicians with Schaafsma Heating & Cooling offer a range of comprehensive indoor air quality solutions to help improve the air in homes throughout the greater Grand Rapids area. Our products and services include:
At Schaafsma, we offer over 120 years of experience in the HVAC industry. We provide superior heating, cooling, and indoor air quality solutions to help homeowners in the Grand Rapids area stay comfortable and protect their health.
Don’t wait to improve the air quality in your home. Contact Schaafsma to schedule indoor air quality services today.
