10 Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality this Winter
As the long winter season moves in, Winnipeggers will be spending more and more time indoors. With more time inside, a larger volume of pollutants will collect in our homes. Dust, bacteria, pesticides, chemicals, toxins, and such can have a negative impact on our health. Are there healthy ways to improve indoor air quality during the winter months? Here are 10 things that you might find helpful.
1. Safe Cleaning Products
Most common household cleaning products are loaded with toxic chemicals. Look for labeling and what would happen if swallowed! If cutting chemicals sounds appealing to you and you still want a clean house, look for natural cleaners that can do the work without the negative ingredients.
2. Safe Home Upgrades
Winter can be a common time for indoor home renovations. When looking for building products, seek paint or compounds with lower VOCs. This will product less pollutants and keep your indoor air safer.
3. Avoid Smoking Indoors
Smoking is one of the biggest causes of bad indoor air. Smoking can cause particles to get trapped in fabrics, furniture, and even walls. Cigarette smoke can embed itself deep into your home and last for a long time.
4. Wash Bedding
Our bedding is usually filled with microscopic dust particles. By washing your bedding frequently in hot water you can reduce dust mites that can decrease the quality of your indoor air. It is recommended to wash your bedding at least once a week.
5. Shoes Off
Stating the obvious here, but outdoor shoes are loaded with dust, mould, dirt and a whole bunch of other yuk junk from the ground outside. You can reduce the accumulation of pollutants by simply removing your shoes on a mat by your front door.
6. Indoor Fabrics
Much like the bedding suggestion, drapes, blankets, throws, cushions could all use a cleaning regularly. Hot water is best for removing dust mites, allergens, particles from the item.
7. Add Plants
Plants don't just add to your indoor decor, but they serve as natural air filters too! There are certain plants known to be effective at cutting levels of benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and so on. Small palm trees, peace lily, potted mum, weeping fig, aloe vera, golden pothos, spider plant, Chinese evergreens, English ivory and gerber daisies are common air purifiers plant lovers use to help purify their homes.
8. Humidity Levels
High humidity can be a breeding ground for mould and bacteria. Too low humidity can dry out of bodies. The best humidity levels are between 30%-60%. Depending on your home and the environment, if humidity is higher or lower than this range you might consider adding a humidifier or dehumidifier to your home's HVAC system.
9. Clean HVAC System
By replacing your furnace filter regularly, having clean ductwork and a clean outdoor AC, you are creating the best possible chance for circulating clean air only. Annual maintenance of your HVAC system that incorporates a cleaning is a great way to stop the circulation of pollutants throughout your home.
10. Purify Your Air
Maybe most top of mind today, is how we can best purify our indoor air. HVAC systems can be equipped with better filters, UV lights and purifiers to trap any foreign pollutants without recirculating them in your home. These are great products for people with allergies or who get sick often.
At 4 Seasons Heating, Cooling & Electrical we care about your indoor air! We know clean air is safe air. We have skilled HVAC techs that can hook you up with the best products available to keep your home fresh and pure. To schedule a consultation we can be reached by phone at (204) 953-5700 or online around the clock.