As temperatures drop and we spend more time indoors, one important topic often gets overlooked: indoor air quality (IAQ). While most people focus on staying warm, the quality of the air inside your home can have a major impact on your comfort, health, and even your heating system’s performance during the colder months.

Here’s why indoor air quality matters even more in cold weather and what you can do to improve it.

Homes Are More Sealed in Winter

In the winter, most people keep windows and doors tightly closed to keep cold air out. While this helps conserve heat, it also means that fresh outdoor air has fewer chances to circulate inside. As a result, indoor air becomes stagnant and indoor contaminants like dust, pet dander, mold spores, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) build up.

Poor IAQ Can Worsen Allergies or Illness

When ventilation is limited, airborne particles linger longer and that can make symptoms worse for anyone with asthma, allergies, or any other respiratory conditions. Plus, when one person gets sick (hello, cold and flu season!), poor IAQ makes it easier for viruses and bacteria to spread through the air and HVAC system.

Pro Tip: Consider installing an air purifier or UV light system in your HVAC unit to reduce pathogens and allergens.

Your Heating System Can Contribute to Poor Air Quality

Older or poorly maintained furnaces can release carbon monoxide or recirculate dust and debris throughout your home. Even clean systems might dry out the air, leading to dry skin, irritated sinuses, and static electricity.

Solution: Schedule annual maintenances and ask about adding a whole home humidifier to balance indoor moisture levels.

Humidity Levels Drop and That Affects Air Quality

Cold air holds less moisture, and heating systems dry it out even more. This low humidity creates ideal conditions for dust and allergens to become airborne. It also dries out mucous membranes, making it easier for viruses to take hold.

Maintaining an indoor humidity level between 30-50% is key to keeping air healthy and comfortable.

Improved IAQ = Better Overall Comfort

When your indoor air is clean and properly humidified:

  • You breathe easier
  • Your skin feels less dry
  • Your home feels warmer at lower thermostat settings
  • Your HVAC systems runs more efficiently

Investing in air quality solutions doesn’t just improve health, it can also lower your energy bills.

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Cold Weather

Here are a few steps you can take right now:

  • Change filters regularly (one to three months)
  • Schedule a professional HVAC maintenance
  • Add air purifiers or UV lights to your system
  • Use a humidifier to combat dry indoor air
  • Let fresh air in occasionally, when weather permits

Breathe Easier This Winter

At 4 Winds AC and Heating, we offer indoor air quality solutions tailored to your home’s needs, from whole home humidifiers and air purifiers to duct cleaning and smart thermostats. If you’re ready to breathe cleaner, healthier air this winter, give us a call or schedule an IAQ assessment today.