Improving Indoor Air Quality During Winter

Here are Surrey Air’s proven solutions to improve IAQ during winter. 

Solution # 1- Clean The Filters In The HVAC Unit 

Filters in the HVAC system perform the crucial function of cleaning the indoor air, and keeping out pollutants, dirt, dust, allergens and more. If they are dirty, they can’t perform their function efficiently, deteriorating the indoor air quality. Cleaning the air filters significantly improves the IAQ. 

If the filters are physically damaged, replace them with new filters. You must also consider upgrading filters with more efficient ones to get as much clean air as possible. 

Solution # 2- Schedule An Air Duct Service 

Air ducts may home colonies of bacteria and fungus. Over time dust and dirt also build up inside the air ducts spread in your indoor spaces and circulate these pollutants. Cleaning the air duct will significantly improve IAQ. Thoroughly cleaning the air ducts is tedious and you’ll need professional help, such as from Surrey Air to do the job for you. 

Solution # 3- Control The Source Of Indoor Air Pollutants

Indigenous indoor pollutants are the main constituents of indoor air pollution. They come from a variety of sources which are a part of daily activities. You’ll be surprised to know their sources and the list includes many dangerous pollutants which cause serious effects on health. The sources of airborne indoor air pollutants include household cleaning agents, furniture and carpets, cooking fumes, pet dander, paints, solvents, building materials and radon. 

Cutting off the sources of indoor air pollution, or at least making attempts to reduce them, or using alternatives is the best way to improve indoor air pollution. 

Solution # 4- Improve Ventilation 

Ventilation brings in fresh air and keeps indoors fresh. Properly insulated doors and windows also don’t let fresh air enter. And the harsh Melbourne weather doesn’t allow you either to open them. The HVAC systems recirculate the indoor air thus cutting the entrance of fresh air in the indoor spaces. 

Open the doors and windows during the daytime so fresh air can come inside and push out the pollutant-filled indoor air. Along with this, use exhaust fans, especially in kitchens and washrooms to move out the concentrated indoor air pollutants. 

Solution # 5- Control The Humidity Levels 

Cold air is drier. It becomes drier when it enters indoor spaces. The dry air causes many problems so, controlling humidity levels is crucial for maintaining good indoor air quality. Maintaining the optimum humidity prevents mould and bacterial growth, reduces allergens, balances chemical pollutant levels, and improves occupants’ health and comfort. 

Adequate humidity control also helps in improving the efficiency of ventilation systems. When optimum humidity levels are high, ventilation systems effectively remove indoor pollutants and maintain fresh air circulation.

Solution # 6- Check And Maintain Indoor Air Quality Detectors

Indoor air quality detectors detect the levels of air pollutants and measure air quality parameters in real time. It’s necessary to check and maintain these external detectors so they work efficiently, assuring health and safety for all. 

Before winters officially start, check the batteries and replace them with new ones. Clean the detectors gently to make sure dust and debris aren’t obstructing the sensors,  but avoid over-cleaning. Calibrate the devices periodically as per the manufacturer’s suggestions to ensure they are working efficiently. 

Solution # 7- Safely Store The Cleaning Chemicals 

Cleaning chemicals contain strong chemicals and release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and byproducts of formaldehyde that affect IAQ and the environment. We recommend using natural substitutes for cleaning chemicals wherever possible.

When using cleaning chemicals, open the doors and windows to ensure proper ventilation and store them properly in their original containers in a cool and dry storage area. 

Solution # 8- Use Indoor Plants 

Indoor plants are the simple and natural answer to how to maintain indoor air quality in winter.  They effectively improve air quality by absorbing harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, VOCs and many others, and consuming carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen into indoor air. 

NASA has recently enlisted the Snake plant, a common household plant as an effective plant that improves indoor air quality. It absorbs toxins, absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen even during nighttime. Placing this plant significantly improves the air quality. 

Other indoor plants like pothos, areca palm, ZeZe plants, rubber plants and spider plants are among low-maintenance indoor plants and are also beneficial for improving indoor air and the health of occupants. 

Solution # 9- Install Air Filters 

Air filters are available for residential and commercial use. They serve to enhance IAQ by actively removing the pollutants and contaminants from indoor air. Advanced air filters also contain advanced filters like HEPA filters which filter out bacteria and viruses from the indoor environment, saving occupants from many health diseases. 

Solution # 10- Think Wisely Before Burning Candles 

Burning candles, especially scented ones, add a warm smell and aesthetic vibes to the indoor environment, but do you know they can affect indoor air quality? 

Wax, colour pigments and scents, all release chemicals in the indoor environment negatively affecting its quality. With closed doors and windows and minimized ventilation during winters, burning candles can excessively increase indoor air pollution. We recommend our customers avoid burning candles indoors to maintain the air quality. 

Solution # 11- Deep Clean Your Home 

The dust hiding in your home over the bookshelf or under the rug causes more problems in winter than ever. It becomes a cause of respiratory issues and allergies as the winter air gets drier. Deep cleaning your home before winter will save you from many avoidable problems! 

Solution # 12- Schedule Professional Heating Services 

Professional heating services are meant to maintain and repair your heating system but they play a crucial role in improving IAQ. A perfectly working heating system will efficiently remove dust, dirt, debris, and allergens from the indoor spaces while improving ventilation. 

If you want to get the benefits of professional heating services and improve the indoor air quality of your indoor spaces, contact Surrey Air. The company has licensed and experienced technicians to perform heating services. Surrey Air is Melbourne’s most trusted heating and cooling service provider with vast experience and understanding of the systems used in Melbourne. 

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