In Florida, we keep our windows closed nearly year-round. Summertime temperatures can be well over 90° F, with humidity around 80%. Opening windows can turn your home into an oven! When mild temperatures hit in fall and winter, sometimes it’s still not cool enough to open windows. According to the EPA, indoor air can have more pollutants than outdoor air.
So, what can you do to clean up your indoor air this winter? Here are some recommendations from a professional HVAC company:
Install a Whole-Home Air Cleaner
During winter, indoor air quality may suffer due to less ventilation and heat use. Installing a whole-home air purifier boosts air quality by removing contaminants or rendering pathogens harmless. Below are two popular types of air cleaners that can be integrated into your air conditioning system:
UV Air Purification Systems
UV air purifiers use ultraviolet light to inactivate harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and mold spores. As these contaminants pass through your AC system, the UV lights disinfect the air, leaving your indoor environment cleaner and healthier.
- UV air cleaners are ideal for:
- Removes large particles like dust
- Reducing allergens and asthma triggers
- Preventing mold growth
- Odor reduction
- Improved AC performance
Whole-House Ionizers
Ionic air purifiers emit negatively charged ions into the air, which attach to positively charged airborne particles such as dust, pollen, smoke and pet dander. This process makes particles heavier and causes them to fall to the ground, where they can easily be removed, helping to improve indoor air quality.
- Ionic air purifiers are ideal for:
- Reduces allergens and respiratory irritants
- Works best in homes cleaned frequently
- Inhibits viruses, bacteria and mold growth
- Removes odors
- No bulbs or filters to replace
Upgrade Your Air Filter
Switch to a better air filter, such as HEPA or a higher-rated MERV filter. HEPA filters (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) capture up to 99.97% of particles that pass through. These filters are often paired with an air purifier to maximize filtration.
MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) is an effectiveness rating system. The higher the MERV rating, the better the filter captures particles.
Keep Your Home Clean
The cleaner your home is, the better your air quality will be, especially when using a HEPA filter vacuum. Frequent dusting, mopping and vacuuming keep your home free of dust, pollutants and allergens. Remember to clean your AC vents and return covers.
Increase Ventilation in Your Home
Open your windows and turn on your fans to circulate the air. Allowing fresh air in helps remove indoor pollutants and delivers oxygen-rich air into your living space. Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms to prevent mold and mildew.
Maintain Humidity Levels
Winter is known for its dryer air, even in Florida, which can be irritating. If your humidity is too low in your home, you can use a humidifier to add moisture back to the air to avoid dry skin, irritated eyes and or respiratory issues. The EPA recommends a humidity level between 30% and 50%. Excessive humidity can cause mold growth and damage to your home’s structures, like flooring and drywall.
Houseplants for Cleaner Indoor Air
Houseplants aren’t just for adding beauty to your space—they’re natural air purifiers. Plants like ferns, ivy, snake, pothos, and spider plants can help cleanse indoor air by filtering out harmful toxins like formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and benzene while releasing oxygen to promote a fresher, healthier environment.
Breathe Easier This Winter Season
Your home should provide clean, healthy air year-round, serving as a safe haven for you and your family. If you’re noticing symptoms like scratchy throats, allergies, itchy eyes, coughing, sneezing, or runny noses, your indoor air quality might need attention.
Florida winters can bring unique challenges, like increased use of heating systems and seasonal allergens. Improving your indoor air quality involves a combination of simple DIY measures and professional solutions. By reducing allergens, irritants, and pollutants, you can create a more comfortable and healthier living space.
Partnering with an experienced HVAC company is vital to maintaining top-notch air quality. They’ll ensure your system is clean, efficient, and free of dust or contaminants, keeping your family safe and comfortable. Plus, they can recommend and install air quality products, like whole-home air cleaners, that integrate seamlessly with your HVAC system. Breathe easier this winter by taking proactive steps toward healthier, cleaner indoor air.
