Indoor Air Quality in Winter

When the winter starts the first thing you think of is your heating system. It is also natural to want to close your home up tightly. To stay warm and to avoid wasting energy, you close the windows and you find ways to stop cold air from leaking in through cracks and under doors. But when those instincts kick in, remember that what you are also doing is sealing air inside your home.

It may come as a surprise to learn that, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, the air in our homes is often two-to-five times more polluted than the outdoor air -- even in the largest and most industrialized cities. Even for those without allergies or sensitive respiratory systems, it's important to have a clean home. As you close your home for the cold months ahead, now is the perfect time to take some simple steps for fresher air. Industry experts say, “Considering the amount of time spent in the house, especially during winter, you should ensure that your home and indoor air are as clean as possible."

Here are some tips to help keep homes clean and fresh:

• Remove out the old furnace filter, vacuum the intake grill, and replace the filter regularly

(at least once per month). A clean filter allows the furnace to run more efficiently and puts

out cleaner air.

• Dust and vacuum often. Consider using a vacuum with a built-in allergen or HEPA filter,

which allows one to clean floors and surfaces while putting less dust back in the air (from

the vacuum exhaust).

• Filter allergens by changing the filters in your vacuum regularly, to reduce the amount of

allergens and other particles released into the air. “Filtrete” vacuum filters, made by 3M,

for example, have been shown to optimize vacuum durability and suction, keeping

the home cleaner by trapping dust. The filters are available at many retailers, and for nearly

all brands and models of vacuum cleaners.

• When dusting, do so with microfiber towels and dusters. Such products attract dust, which

cling to the fibers instead of simply becoming airborne or dropping back to the ground.

• Ventilate the home. It may seem counterintuitive, but occasionally let the outside air in. On a

nice day, briefly open windows (even for only 5 minutes). This helps indoor air circulate with

outdoor air, and results in a fresher environment.

• Go natural. Consider switching to natural and organic cleaning products that don’t

release dangerous chemicals or materials into the home’s air.

• Bathe and brush pets regularly. Pets' coats are often loaded with dirt and dander that

scatters around the house and can contribute to poor indoor air quality. To avoid this problem,

brush and bathe pets regularly.