Quick Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Winters on the South Shore can be colder than cold, making the air inside your home feel dry and uncomfortable. In addition to below-freezing temperatures, snowstorms, ice storms, and other weather hazards, we also deal with prevalent seasonal illnesses. All this together is enough to make you want to shut the doors for the season, crank up the heat, and hibernate until the spring. Although, by closing our homes to keep the cold weather out, we’re unfortunately trapping many airborne allergens and pollutants inside, which could negatively impact our indoor air quality and our health. Occasionally, it’s a great idea to crack a window for fresh air, doing so is not always possible, so keep reading to discover alternative ways to keep your indoor air fresh.

Steps You Can Take to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

• Clean Your Home Regularly
  Dusting and vacuuming regularly helps reduce dust, mold, pollen, and dander. It’s also beneficial to steam clean carpets and seasonally wash window curtains to eliminate embedded allergens.
• Keep an Eye on Humidity Levels
  Frequently running the heat can dry out the air, causing dry skin, sore throats, and a host of other problems. Running a humidifier will help combat these issues but be sure to watch your humidity levels—too much moisture in the air can spur the growth of mold and other allergens. Keep humidity levels in the 30%-35% range to stay comfortable and healthy.
• Add Plants
  Air-filtering plants such as Peace Lilies, English Ivy, and Chrysanthemums will help reduce airborne toxins. (Just be aware that some plants are toxic to pets—check with your florist or vet to make sure the plant is safe for your home.)
• Change Your HVAC Filters
  Your HVAC filters do a great job of eliminating dust and debris from the air passing through vents, but that also means the filters become dirty fast. Having a certified HVAC technician from Bridgewater Fuel to clean or replace your filter every four to six weeks during the heating season allows clean air to filter through properly.

For other indoor air quality improvement ideas or to have your heating system checked and cleaned for winter use, contact the experts at Bridgewater Fuel! We’d love to speak with you.