Why Winter Air Quality Matters in Northern Michigan
Northern Michigan features idyllic summer weather that’s great for exploring the outdoors, but come wintertime, you’ll find residents bundled up in the warmth of their homes. Few folks are willing to venture outside when the temperatures plummet below zero.
Maintaining indoor air quality during the long, dreary winter can be a real challenge. Residents often seal their homes tightly, preventing fresh airflow and trapping bad guys like viruses and bacteria inside. Follow the simple tips below to improve your indoor spaces this winter.
Common Pollutants That Impact Winter Air
If you’ve sealed your home well, you might wonder how pollutants manage to find their way in. Clothing, including shoes and snow boots, are among the top culprits for tracking debris and allergens into your home. Suppose, for example, that you throw a wet coat into the hamper and forget about it. A short while later, mold grows and spreads spores through your house.
If your heating system or appliances run on gas, they may leak carbon monoxide into your home. Cleaning products release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can make you and your loved ones sick.
Without proper ventilation, you might experience symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, headaches, and nausea. Carbon monoxide, in particular, is very dangerous and can quickly kill. This is why maintaining indoor air quality is a must.
Simple Ventilation Tips for Beginners
In the winter, when fresh indoor air is lacking, it’s important to improve ventilation in your home however you can. One of the best ways to do that is by opening windows when the weather allows.
Of course, you can’t always open windows, which is why you must ensure that your HVAC system is ready to go. Air filters, in particular, can become clogged with dust and other debris in no time flat. You’ll need to change yours every 30-90 days for the best performance.
Don’t forget to schedule regular maintenance for your furnace, too. During maintenance, a technician will clean the furnace and look for problems that could harm air quality. Schedule maintenance at least once a year, ideally before you need to use the furnace.
Humidity Basics for a Healthy Home
Despite the abundance of ice and snow, winter weather is notorious for drying out homes in Michigan. A lack of humidity can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as dry, itchy skin and chapped lips.
It’s not uncommon for humidity levels to drop to 20% or less in the winter. This is problematic because humans feel most comfortable when the humidity ranges from 30% to 50%.
The easiest way to boost humidity is to install a humidifier, or several humidifiers if you have a large home. Many humidifiers come with a built-in hygrometer, which allows you to monitor humidity levels. Running exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom can also help elevate humidity.
The Role of Winter HVAC Maintenance
When was the last time you cleaned or replaced your HVAC filter? If you haven’t paid much attention to maintaining indoor air quality, you might find the filter clogged with dirt and hairballs from your furry friends. That debris can hinder your furnace’s efficiency and even make its way into your indoor air.
Air filters typically need replacing every 30-90 days, but in the winter, you may need to replace yours more often. Check the filter every couple of weeks; if it looks thoroughly dirty, it’s time for a new one.
Scheduling air duct cleaning is another smart way to improve air quality. Ducts can harbor pet dander, dust, spiderwebs, and even nests from animals seeking respite from winter’s chill.
Stay Healthy in Northern Michigan with Pro-Master Cleaning & Restoration
Indoor air quality can plummet come winter, but with help from Pro-Master Cleaning & Restoration, you won’t be left at the mercy of Mother Nature. We offer everything you need to keep your home fresh when the weather turns frosty.
When you call us for duct cleaning, we’ll arrive with special tools, including a high-powered vacuum designed to get your ducts clean as a whistle. You’ll enjoy fresher, cleaner-smelling air all winter long.
To get more tips on maintaining indoor air quality or schedule duct cleaning, call Pro-Master Cleaning & Restoration at (231) 757-9061.
