As temperatures plummet and winter really starts to bite, heating systems switch on across homes and buildings. Well-insulated, airtight modern structures are brilliant at holding that warmth in — but they also trap less welcome things: fumes from central heating systems, wood burners, and open fires. These aren't just unpleasant; they can be genuinely harmful. The good news is that there are simple ways to improve indoor air quality in winter — from cleaning and humidity control to maintaining your heating and adding an air purifier with HEPA and activated carbon filtration.
Good news is that there are steps you can take to improve indoor air quality!
Keep the house clean and as free as possible from dust.
If you have a mechanical ventilation system installed in your house, arrange for the ducts to be cleaned.
Have your wood stove or open fire chimney checked by a professional every season and ensure you have a working CO detector.
Prevent the air from becoming too dry, perhaps by using a humidifier. This will minimize problems with dry throats and dust mites.
Ensure that potential sources of indoor air pollution such as cleaning solutions are well sealed when not being used.
Use air fresheners sparingly.
Skip the holiday scented candles and instead use 100% stearin candles.
Groom your pet(s) regularly. They probably spend more time indoors during the winter; if they have built up a thick winter coat of fur, then shedding and pet dander can negatively impact air quality.
Keeping houseplants can, to some extent, improve air quality in your home
Finally, consider installing air cleaners in your home.
This latter suggestion is particularly important. If outdoor air is not effectively filtered and cleaned, then the indoor air can contain a large quantity of the harmful particulates that find their way into people’s respiratory tracts and circulation systems. These can aggravate chest problems such as asthma and increase the risk of developing diseases like pneumonia.
These particles and other substances can combine with those already present inside buildings and become more harmful, making indoor air pollution many more times as hazardous as the outdoor variety.
An excellent way to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) is to employ an air purifier such as the City M by Camfil. An air purifier that creates a healthier indoor environment, reduces the incidence of asthma and other allergies and neutralizes odor by filtering out harmful particulates in the air.
An air purifier that creates a healthier indoor environment, reduces the incidence of asthma and other allergies and neutralizes odor by filtering out harmful particulates in the air.
Why is indoor air quality worse in winter?
In winter, buildings are sealed and heated, so less fresh air gets in and pollutants from heating systems, wood burners, cooking, and everyday products build up indoors instead of being ventilated out.
Do air purifiers help with winter air quality?
Yes. An air purifier with HEPA and activated carbon filtration, such as Camfil's City M, removes fine particles, gases, and odors that standard ventilation misses — especially useful when windows stay closed through winter.
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