Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality During Winter
Poor indoor air quality is an issue that affects many Urbana, IL homes and can raise numerous concerns. Air quality tends to be worse in winter, when homes are closed and the heat is running. By knowing what signs to watch for and the ways that you can improve your home’s indoor air quality, you can help keep your family healthier and ensure optimal comfort.
Frequent Illness or Allergy Symptoms
Illnesses like cold and flu are more prevalent during the winter. They can cause a wide range of symptoms, including coughing, sneezing, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and irritated sinuses, throat, and eyes. While these symptoms can indicate that you’re ill, they also commonly occur when you spend a prolonged time in an environment with poor indoor air quality. If you frequently experience any of these symptoms at home but they seem to lessen when you’re out of the house, it’s a certain sign that poor indoor air quality is the culprit. The same is true if you have allergies and experience an increase in symptoms while at home.
Excessive Dust
The air filter in an HVAC system is designed to trap dust and other larger airborne particles. This reduces the number of contaminants that the system spreads around the house. If you notice excessive dust buildup on vent covers and near vents, it indicates that the filter isn’t efficient enough to meet your needs. Upgrading to a more efficient filter helps to reduce the amount of dust and allergens circulating around the house.
HVAC Air Filter Clogs Quickly
Another sure sign that your home has poor indoor air quality is if your HVAC air filter becomes dirty after only a month or so. Standard air filters are designed to last for around 90 days before needing to be replaced. There may be times when the filter will become dirty sooner, such as during a prolonged cold snap when your heating system must run more. You may also experience frequently dirty filters if you have pets that shed. Nonetheless, if you’re constantly having to change the filter after only a month or two, it indicates that there’s an excessive number of allergens and pollutants in your indoor air.
Spotting Lingering Odors
Poor air circulation and a lack of ventilation are common problems that lead to air becoming stale and the concentration of airborne pollutants increasing. These issues also often result in unpleasant odors that linger in the air and are present throughout much of the house. Musty odors often indicate that there’s an excessive amount of dust, mold spores, and other allergens present. This is often due to an HVAC system not providing a high enough level of air filtration. Chemical smells usually indicate the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which naturally get released into the air from furniture, building materials, cleaning products, and fresh paint.
Poor Sleep Quality
Studies have repeatedly shown that air quality can have a direct impact on sleep quality. Specifically, stale, polluted air can affect sleep efficiency, which is how much of the time you spend in bed that you’re asleep. Sleep efficiency and quality can obviously be affected by other factors, such as stress, anxiety, and temperature. Nonetheless, if you frequently have issues getting a good night’s sleep, addressing your home’s air quality may be the solution to better sleep.
How to Overcome Poor Indoor Air Quality in Winter
Upgrading to a more efficient HVAC filter is an easy way to reduce allergens and certain airborne pollutants in the home. Using a filter that is between 8 and 12 MERV will help improve your air quality. An even better option is to have a technician adapt your ductwork to accommodate a media filter or an electronic air cleaner, both of which provide a much higher level of filtration than a standard air filter.
The most effective solution for tackling a full range of air quality concerns is to install a whole-home air purification system. Most systems combine a highly efficient media filter with other solutions, such as a UV air purifier that eliminates germs and a carbon filter that combats unpleasant odors by filtering chemicals out of the air.
If you’re struggling with air quality issues in your home, Dogtown Heating, Air & Plumbing has the solutions you need. From filtration to air purification, we have a range of options for boosting indoor air quality. We strive to ensure you have a comfortable, healthy environment to live in. Scheduling regular HVAC maintenance also helps to avoid air quality issues and improve both heating performance and efficiency. For more information on our IAQ solutions in Urbana or the surrounding areas, contact us at Dogtown Heating, Air & Plumbing today.
