Your lips are chapped, and your skin is dry. It’s annoying, for sure, but the less noticeable results of poor indoor air quality in winter can be much more severe. With closed windows and doors, we are exposed to more allergens, asthma can worsen, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is higher, and so are the levels of radon and volatile organic compounds. Quite scary. But don’t get discouraged. Here are eight simple ways you can improve the air quality in your home this winter.
Clean More Frequently
We started with this one because it’s easy and it’s free. Dust gathering on surfaces throughout your home can seem innocent enough, but once you know what dust is made of, you’ll be inspired to wipe down surfaces and objects with a damp rag and vacuum your carpets and upholstery more often. Dust consists of skin cells, bacteria, dust mites, soil, pollen, and — brace yourself — dead insect particles. Take the time to wipe down your air vents or use a vacuum cleaner attachment.
Invest In a Whole-House Humidifier
We can’t promise you younger-looking skin, but we can help it feel more comfortable. A whole-house humidifier connects to your heating and cooling system, where it will release water vapor into the ductwork and then into the air. The humidity level is monitored and controlled by your thermostat. We can install the unit and show you how to set and adjust it for the conditions of your home.
Plus, the proper amount of humidity can make your home feel warmer even at a lower temperature, it will help noses and throats to feel less scratchy, and it can even protect your wood floors, plaster, paint, and furniture.
Improve Ventilation
Today’s heavily insulated homes are great for energy savings. Still, in winter, the air quality worsens when bacteria, viruses, mold spores, pet dander, and dust mites have no way to escape, and fresh air isn’t coming inside to dilute these air pollutants. A simple way to increase ventilation is to open a window for a short time each day. Ventilate during the warmest part of the day when the contrast in temperature between indoor and outdoor air is less extreme or before sleeping when our bodies prefer a cooler environment. Force stale air outside your home by running your kitchen exhaust fan and bathroom fans.
Control Pet Dander
If you’re experiencing itchy, watery eyes, or perhaps even have trouble breathing, a build-up of pet dander and fur could be the cause. This is another excellent reason to vacuum carpets and upholstery more often. You can brush your pet’s coat to help release dander and fur in a controlled way and location, where you can follow up with a spot vacuuming. If the increased exposure to pet allergens is getting to you, think twice about allowing your pets on furniture or your bed — just for now.
Reduce Volatile Organic Compounds
Hold off on specific home improvements and repairs until the spring. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are released by paints, wood stains, caulks, adhesives, solvents, carpet, vinyl flooring, and many other sources. If you must use any of these products, be sure to open windows and run your kitchen and bathroom fans.
Schedule a Mold and Mildew Inspection
You can also improve indoor air quality in winter by asking your local heating and air conditioning contractor to perform a mold and mildew inspection. Although the air in your home will be drier in winter, areas that tend to retain moisture (like bathrooms and basements) can still be an ideal environment because now, with less ventilation, spores can collect and proliferate. A professional air quality inspection can identify the source (or sources), enabling recommendations to improve your health and comfort. Charlottesville area residents can contact Fitch Services.
Purchase Radon and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
This simple, easy step could save your life. With less ventilation in winter, radon and carbon monoxide levels can increase to dangerous levels. Radon is an odorless gas that can lead to lung cancer. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, it’s the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking. You can purchase a basic radon test kit at a local hardware store or order one online, or you can buy a wi-fi and blue tooth-enabled radon detector that continuously monitors levels and can send alerts to your phone.
Carbon monoxide is another colorless and odorless poisonous gas that can be found in your home. Its presence in your home can be mistaken for the flu, with symptoms like headaches, nausea, and fatigue. Carbon monoxide detectors range from $25 for a basic model to $250 for bluetooth-equipped sensors that wirelessly communicate with innovative, smart-home technology like Amazon’s Alexa. Yes, Alexa can predict the weather, play your favorite music – and warn you about carbon monoxide and radon.
Purchase a Whole-House Air Purifier
You’re likely familiar with portable air purifiers that can sit on a table or perhaps something the size of a space heater that you can take from room to room. To make a difference, consider an air purifier that integrates with your total HVAC system to treat your entire home. They can reduce up to 99% of airborne and surface pathogens commonly found in a house (including viruses, mold, and bacteria) and reduce odors, smoke, and dust in the air.
Contact Us with Your Questions
Charlottesville area residents can call Fitch Services at (434) 296-9980 or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation to talk about how to improve your indoor air quality this winter. Contact us year-round for your heating and air conditioning needs.
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Real Reviews from Your Charlottesville Neighbors
See All ReviewsJulie D. (Charlottesville, VA)I can’t say enough good things!! We had an emergency, no AC during the 113+ heat wave on a Friday holiday afternoon (worst timing!!!). I called multiple companies and only Fitch called me back.
Larry was fantastic!! He kept me informed as to when he anticipated getting to us, and called when on his way, and showed up when he said he would.
He was, again, fantastic! Explained the issue and promptly fixed it. Our house was literally 98 degrees. Everything is running smoothly!
And, for an emergency call late on a Friday afternoon, the cost was incredibly reasonable.
I highly HIGHLY recommend their services. We now have them on speed dial and will absolutely be using them again for our needs, even for other services they offer we have yet to use.
Again, thank you Larry & Fitch Services from us and our pups - for being there when we needed you most and delivering exceptional customer service. 5 stars for sure!
Barbara M. (Charlottesville, VA)I am proud to say I have been a client of Fitch Services since they began. My family has always received courteous and timely service for plumbing, heating and air conditioning, and electrical issues. They have installed and maintain a whole house generator. That was a fantastic decision. I use their annual maintenance plans for all of my systems. I personally recommend Fitch Services.
John K. (Charlottesville, VA)I knew of Fitch Services and their technicians via my place of employment. The technician's honest and forthright approach to their work was very much appreciated... They were initially contacted to come to our residence to address a clogged kitchen sink drain line. It was suggested to us we replace the drain line instead of snaking it. When the old drain line was cut out and shown to me, it was amazing anything had gotten through that line! Glad we chose to replace it... We also inquired about replacing/updating all the galvanized supply lines in our home. The scope of the work needed and how it would be done was discussed to make sure we understood... We appreciated the honest assessment of how the project might or would go. While the technicians were on our project, they kept us updated with daily conversations towards the end of their working day. The finished project has been great! We were excited to finally have full flow of the hot water! Fitch is now our 'go to' plumber.
Tom P. (Charlottesville, VA)I've used Fitch for a few years now for both electrical and plumbing work. They are professional and do a great job on things both big and small. Twice we have had pretty huge jobs and they have come in under budget. Plus, the service technicians are friendly and work hard and the office staff communicates very well. Definitely recommend!
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