That cold air outside is convincing a lot of people to stay indoors, curled up with blankets and hot chocolate to stay warm. But with sealed windows and doors to keep the cold out, our indoor air can get a bit stale—and sometimes even unhealthy. Dust, pet dander, and other allergens build up, while humidity levels drop, which can impact comfort and well-being. 

Fortunately, your HVAC system can play a big role in improving indoor air quality during winter. One of our biggest focuses in TemperaturePro is the ability to provide accurate information for customers to ensure they are comfortable in their homes year round – and here are some tips on how to do that with your air quality this winter. 

1. Keep Your HVAC Filters Clean

Your HVAC filters are the first line of defense against indoor air pollutants like dust, pet dander, and pollen. During winter, it’s especially important to check and change your filters regularly since your system will likely be running more often.

Dirty filters restrict airflow and allow allergens and dust to circulate through your home, making your air less clean and your system less efficient. Generally, it’s a good idea to replace standarpd HVAC filters every 1-3 months. If you have pets or allergies, you might want to change them monthly.

ProTech Tip: Consider high-efficiency filters rated for capturing smaller particles. Look for a MERV rating between 8 and 12 for effective filtration, or check out the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) guide on air filters for more information.

ProTech Bonus Tip: Set a calendar reminder to change these filters!

2. Install a Whole-Home Humidifier

Winter air tends to be dry, and so does the air in our homes when the heating system runs continuously. This lack of humidity can lead to dry skin, irritated sinuses, and even cracked wood furniture. Save your skin (and those antiques!) the trouble with a whole-home humidifier. 

A whole-home humidifier adds moisture directly into your HVAC system’s airflow, keeping humidity levels balanced throughout your home. This makes the air feel warmer and more comfortable, and can even help with respiratory comfort.

Extra bonus – humidifiers also help make the air feel warmer at a lower temperature during the winter, which saves you even more money on electricity bills. The ‘cool-est’ part (pun intended) is it also helps keep the air in your home cool at a higher temperature, so not only can humidifiers be helpful in winter, they are beneficial year-round!

Plus, you get added health benefits! Proper humidity levels (around 30-50%) can reduce the spread of airborne germs and improve respiratory health. Humidified air also reduces static electricity and keeps skin from feeling dry and itchy.

For more on the benefits of balanced humidity, check out the American Lung Association’s tips for maintaining a healthy indoor environment.

ProTech Tip- If you are considering an upgrade on your system, ask your TemperaturePro Tech about additional humidity control options! We can come up with a perfect and personalized solution to fit your exact needs. 

3. Use an Air Purifier

Adding an air purifier to your HVAC system can be a game-changer for indoor air quality. Whole-home air purifiers use high-efficiency filters, UV lights, or ionization to trap or neutralize contaminants like bacteria, viruses, mold spores, and allergens.

Air purifiers are installed directly into your HVAC system by your local TemperaturePro Tech and clean the air before it circulates through your home. Besides removing common allergens, an air purifier can help reduce odors and pollutants, keeping your air fresh and healthy.

Getting rid of these contaminants in your home and indoor air can greatly reduce your chances of getting sick (and we all know how easy it is to get sick during the cold winter months). Keeping those pollutants outside, where they belong, is the best way to lower those chances. 

For more details on different types of air purifiers, call your local TemperaturePro today. Our techs can inspect your system and let you know what solutions work best for your current setup. 

4. Get Regular HVAC Maintenance

Just like your car, your HVAC system needs regular maintenance to keep it running efficiently. Scheduling a tune-up before or during winter ensures your system is operating optimally, which also supports cleaner indoor air. (Quick note – while under warranty, the manufacturer can require proof of maintenance as well. Check with your warranty provider for details!) 

During maintenance, your TemperaturePro technician will inspect, clean, and tune up your HVAC system, checking everything from the blower motor to the ductwork.Cleaning and inspecting parts of your HVAC system prevents dust, mold, and other contaminants from accumulating and circulating through your home. It also ensures your system’s components, like the filter and blower, are working effectively.

For more information, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) provides great resources on HVAC maintenance and indoor air quality. You can also visit our Maintenance page, or call your local TemperaturePro to get the full scope of work. 

5. Clean and Seal Your Ductwork

Your HVAC ductwork plays a major role in air circulation, but it can also harbor dust, debris, and mold if not properly maintained. Dirty or leaky ducts allow contaminants to flow freely into your indoor air and can affect your system’s efficiency.

Consider professional duct cleaning from TemperaturePro if your ducts haven’t been cleaned in a while or if you notice a buildup of dust and debris around the vents. This can reduce allergens and improve airflow, and sealing them helps maintain your air quality and keeps your home more energy-efficient. Energy efficiency = HUGE SAVINGS for you! 

For more information on duct cleaning and sealing, check out the EPA’s guide on indoor air quality.

6. Use Ventilation Wisely

While it’s tempting to keep your home sealed tight against the winter chill, fresh air is crucial for good indoor air quality. Using your ventilation system properly helps remove stale air and bring in fresh air.

On the DIY Side, you can use your bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans when cooking or bathing to remove moisture and odors. When the weather allows, crack a window to let in fresh air, even for just a few minutes.

If you’re considering a long-term solution, a whole-home ventilation system can be a great addition to your HVAC setup. These systems bring in fresh air and expel stale air, without causing a big temperature change. Our TemperaturePro Techs can recommend the best fit for your home’s specific needs. 

For more guidance on using ventilation effectively, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s ventilation tips.

TemperaturePro: Keep Your Air Fresh and Healthy This Winter

Improving your indoor air quality during winter doesn’t have to be complicated. By making a few adjustments to your HVAC system and routine, you can breathe easier and keep your home comfortable all season long. At TemperaturePro, we’re here to help with everything from system upgrades to air quality solutions. Reach out to us if you’d like to learn more about keeping your indoor air clean and healthy!

With the right strategies in place, you’ll keep your indoor air quality high and your home comfortable. If you have any questions or want professional advice, contact us at TemperaturePro—we’re here to help!

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