Now that many of us are in the middle of cold winter months, you may notice an increase in dry skin, respiratory issues, and recurring illnesses, among other issues. One primary culprit behind these issues may be poor indoor air quality. Improving indoor air quality in the winter is important for maintaining a healthier living environment. Cold weather often leads to windows and doors being sealed shut, trapping pollutants. So, what do we do to combat this? Here are 4 tips to help maintain healthy indoor air.
- Use a Humidifier: Dry air can cause irritation to the respiratory system, making it more difficult to breathe. Not to mention many viruses and bacteria thrive in lower humidity environments. Recommended humidity levels for indoor environments is 40-60% as this allows our bodies to ward off organisms more effectively passing into our lungs.
- Keep the Air Clean: Use air purifiers to remove contaminants such as dust, pet dander, mold spores, and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) from the air. Ensure the purifier you choose contains both a HEPA and carbon-based filter to remove both particulates and chemicals alike. Also, be sure to regularly replace the filters in your purifiers to keep them working effectively.
- Ventilate your Home: Proper ventilation is key to maintaining good indoor air quality. Open windows and doors for a few minutes each day to allow fresh air to circulate. This will help to remove stale indoor air along with built up chemicals from items such as cleaning and personal care products.
- Contain or Remove Harsh Chemicals: Items such as used paint cans, building materials, and cleaning products are constantly off-gassing chemicals into the air. Consider either removing these from your home or storing them in secondary airtight containers. This will result in less indoor air pollution.
By following these simple tips, you can help improve the air quality in your home, in turn creating a healthier living environment for you and your family during the winter months.