Why is Indoor Air Quality Important in Cold Months?
During the colder months, you spend a lot more time indoors. Furthermore, the air tends to be a lot drier when the temperatures drop, which can wreak havoc on your skin, clothes and furniture. Therefore, it’s important to take steps to improve indoor air quality during the colder period of the year.
Everyday Life Can Impact Air Quality Levels
A furnace that doesn’t combust properly can allow gas to leak into your home. If a furnace, air duct or air vent is dirty or clogged, it can allow dust, dirt or other debris to flow through your home. If you have pets or you smoke, you may notice increased levels of dander or smoke particles in the air.
During the colder months, take steps to reduce contaminants in your home. For instance, you may want to have your furnace cleaned and inspected prior to the winter season starting. You may also want to have carpets cleaned or replaced or have your pets groomed.
You are also encouraged to take steps to improve or monitor your home’s ventilation. After a major snow or ice storm, you may need to unclog vent lines that go from the kitchen to the roof. It may also be a good idea to have the chimney cleaned to ensure that smoke from a fireplace can leave your home in a timely manner.
Fortunately, the team at Guaranteed Comfort Heating & Cooling in Windsor, ON can inspect a furnace to make sure that it is in good condition. We can also install whole air purifiers to help reduce some or all of the particles that can quickly accumulate during the long winter months.
How Indoor Air Quality Impacts Your Health
Poor indoor air quality can have a wide range of impacts on your physical and mental health. For instance, if you are allergic to dust or pet dander, spending more than a few minutes in a given space can result in itchy skin, watery eyes or a runny nose.
You may also experience headaches or stomach issues as a result of exposure to natural gas or similar toxins. Your physical ailments may cause or exacerbate depression or anxiety caused by the shorter days and the fact that you’re essentially forced to stay inside for hours on end.
How Indoor Air Quality Impacts Your Home
Poor indoor air quality can wreak havoc on furniture, finishings and electronics. For instance, if your television is covered in dust, touching it while the air is too dry could cause a static shock that would hurt your finger and potentially harm the unit. You could also be at risk of a short or other electrical issue if your laptop is covered in dust or if any wires going to a laptop or television are covered in dust.
Wood surfaces that are covered in dust, smoke or other materials can also be damaged over a long enough period of time. Smoke can be particularly frustrating to get rid of because the particles will likely get into the wood itself. These particles can also cover vinyl and other materials in a thick layer of ash.
Don’t Forget the Smells
Poor indoor air quality can also result in foul odors that are difficult or impossible to get rid of. For instance, mold that grows in an interior wall will typically create a strong musty smell. Smoke that lingers in your home for too long can leave your kitchen or bedroom smelling like an ashtray even after a deep clean. You may also be vulnerable to strong odors created by your pets.
How to Improve Indoor Air Quality
During the winter months, it’s imperative to be extra vigilant about dusting and sweeping furniture, floors or other surfaces. You should also vacuum carpets more often to get rid of pet dander or anything else that could cause odors or other indoor air quality issues. Finally, you may want to consider opening a door or window just a crack to allow fresh air to get in and neutralize the contaminated air in your home.
If you are looking to improve the indoor air quality in your home, don’t hesitate to contact the folks at Guaranteed Comfort Heating & Cooling today. We can also help with air conditioner repair or installation projects as well as install a new water heater in your home.