During the winter months, when windows and doors are kept tightly closed to conserve heat, indoor air quality can suffer significantly. Stale indoor air accumulates pollutants like dust mites, particulate matter, and airborne particles from heating systems, leading to poor indoor air quality. However, there are several strategies you can employ to improve the indoor air in your building.
First, ensure your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is operating efficiently with clean air filters. Replace HVAC filters regularly according to manufacturer recommendations. Consider upgrading to higher-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters that can trap smaller particles.
Second, invest in an air purifier or air cleaner designed to remove airborne pollutants. Look for units with true HEPA filtration and activated carbon filters to capture particulates and gaseous pollutants effectively.
Third, increase ventilation by opening windows whenever outdoor air quality permits, allowing fresh air to circulate. If opening windows isn’t feasible, use bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans or install a mechanical ventilation system.
Humidity Control
The ideal indoor humidity level in winter should range between 30-50%. Lower levels can lead to dry air, increasing the likelihood of respiratory problems, while higher levels may promote mold growth and dust mite proliferation.
To increase indoor humidity levels affordably, consider using a humidifier, especially in drier climates or regions with harsh winters. Portable humidifiers are relatively inexpensive and can add moisture to individual rooms. Alternatively, place containers of water near heat sources like radiators or wood stoves to introduce more humidity into the air through evaporation. Keeping indoor plants can help modestly increase humidity levels through transpiration. As plants release moisture vapor from their leaves and stems, it raises the relative humidity in the surrounding air. However, relying solely on houseplants may not sufficiently humidify an entire building.
Low indoor humidity can pose several risks to both your health and your building. Excessively dry air can irritate respiratory passages, worsen conditions like asthma, cause dry skin and static electricity buildup. It can also lead to damage like shrunken wooden floors, frames, and furniture, as well as increased susceptibility to colds and flu. Maintaining proper humidity is crucial for comfort and preventing these issues.
Ventilation Strategies
Ventilation is vitally important for maintaining good indoor air quality because it helps dilute and remove indoor air pollutants by exchanging stale indoor air with fresher outdoor air. Without proper ventilation, pollutants like carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulates can accumulate to unhealthy levels.
If opening windows isn’t an option due to weather or outdoor air pollution, there are several methods to improve indoor ventilation without relying on natural ventilation:
- Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove moisture and odors
- Install an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) or heat recovery ventilator (HRV) system to provide continuous fresh air exchange
- Employ portable air purifiers with HEPA filters to scrub indoor air of contaminants
- Upgrade your HVAC air filters to higher MERV ratings for better particulate filtration
Some affordable ventilation system options include window fans, kitchen/bath fans, and whole-house fans. While less efficient than ERVs or HRVs, these can provide supplemental ventilation at a lower initial cost. Door vents and transfer grilles also promote air circulation between rooms. For a comprehensive solution, consider hiring an HVAC professional to assess your building’s ventilation needs.
Window fans can be effective for increasing ventilation when used properly, especially in mild weather. However, their usefulness is limited during extreme temperatures when you don’t want to let in hot or cold outdoor air. They also don’t filter incoming air, so outdoor pollutants may be introduced. Window fans work best when used in tandem with other indoor air filtration methods.
Air Purifiers and Filters
The best types of air purifiers utilize high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to capture microscopic pollutants like dust, pollen, smoke, and pet dander. Look for purifiers certified by agencies like the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) to verify their filtration claims. Units with activated carbon filters provide additional removal of gaseous pollutants and odors.
HVAC air filters should typically be replaced every 1-3 months for maximum effectiveness. However, frequency depends on factors like the filter type, building occupancy levels, pets, and manufacturing recommendations. Be sure to check filters monthly and replace them when visibly dirty or clogged to maintain proper airflow and filtration.
While houseplants alone cannot adequately purify a building’s air, they do provide some air cleaning benefits. Plants can help remove carbon dioxide and certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through their natural metabolic processes. Including a variety of indoor plants is an affordable, natural way to complement other air purification methods.
Filters with higher minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) ratings like MERV 13 or above are generally worth the extra cost, as they capture a greater percentage of small airborne particles compared to lower MERV filters. However, ensure your HVAC system can handle the increased airflow resistance of higher MERV filters. Consult an HVAC professional to determine the optimal filter for your building’s needs.
Minimizing Pollutant Sources
Some common indoor pollutant sources in winter include combustion appliances (e.g. furnaces, fireplaces), cleaning products containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), radon gas seeping from soil, and elevated particulate levels from running heating systems with minimal ventilation. Other problematic sources are tobacco smoke, excess moisture enabling mold growth, and allergens like dust mites and pet dander.
To reduce VOC exposure from household products, opt for low-VOC or VOC-free alternatives whenever possible. Look for certified green products, and allow adequate ventilation when using cleaners, paints, and solvents. Avoid using air fresheners or deodorizers, as these simply mask odors rather than removing pollutants. Minimize use of harsh chemical cleaners by trying natural cleaning products like vinegar and baking soda.
Certain types of flooring can impact indoor air quality both positively and negatively. Hard surface floors like wood, tile, and laminate don’t harbor dust mites, mold, or trapped contaminants as easily as carpet. However, some vinyl and laminate contain VOCs that can off-gas. Soft flooring options constructed from natural fibers like wool provide fewer chemical emissions. When installing new floors, ensure proper curing time and ventilation.
The best way to test for radon gas, the second leading cause of lung cancer, is to use an approved radon test kit or hire a certified radon professional. Short-term and long-term tests are available to measure radon levels in your building over different time periods. If high radon levels are detected, a mitigation system may need to be installed to vent radon from under the building.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Frequent and thorough cleaning is crucial for minimizing indoor air pollutants and indoor allergens that can accumulate in a building. Here are some tips:
- Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture at least once per week using a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to trap allergens like dust mites and pet dander instead of recirculating them. The best vacuum filters use multi-layer HEPA filtration.
- Damp mop hard floors weekly to pick up dust and remove stuck-on grime that can get kicked up into the air. Use a microfiber mop and cleaner without harsh chemicals.
- Wipe down surfaces like countertops, shelves, and windowsills regularly with a damp cloth to collect dust and prevent buildup.
- Clean window condensation promptly using a squeegee and microfiber cloth. Allowing moisture to linger enables mold growth.
- Wash bedding in hot water weekly to kill dust mites. Use hypoallergenic bedding encasements as well.
- Open windows occasionally when outdoor air quality is acceptable to allow fresh air in and improve ventilation. Just an hour per week can make a noticeable difference.
- Ensure bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans are operating properly to remove excess moisture that contributes to indoor air pollution.
- Have your HVAC system professionally inspected annually. Change filters according to manufacturer recommendations.
- Consider having air ducts cleaned if there is visible mold growth or excessive debris accumulation that could be circulating through your building.
Conclusion
Indoor air quality directly impacts health, comfort, and even energy costs within our buildings. By implementing some simple but effective strategies, you can dramatically improve the indoor air quality for a healthier living environment year-round.
Focus on controlling humidity levels, increasing ventilation utilizing air purifiers and filters, minimizing pollutant sources, and maintaining a consistent cleaning regimen. Remember, reducing indoor air pollution and particulate matter involves addressing factors like HVAC efficiency, radon mitigation, and lowering emissions from household products. Open windows when possible to allow outdoor air to cycle through your building. Investing in quality air filters, purifiers, and ventilation equipment is worthwhile for safeguarding indoor air quality and respiratory health.
With some simple adjustments to your building environment, you can breathe easier knowing you’re minimizing exposure to pollutants and allergens. Prioritize indoor air quality – your lungs will thank you!
