According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollution is among the top environmental health risks facing Canadians. The average person spends around 90% of their time indoors, and that figure may be even higher during the winter months. The concern is that pollution is often three to five times more concentrated indoors than outdoors. Even short-term exposure can have a noticeable impact on comfort, while long-term exposure can lead to serious health complications and is particularly worrisome for children and seniors. Let’s explore some strategies you can use to minimize these negative consequences.
Eliminate Indoor Air Pollution Sources
You may think of air pollution as primarily an outdoor threat, and it certainly can be. Ambient pollution can enter the home, and if you have an older house with a loose building envelope, professional insulation installation may be recommended. However, most indoor air pollution originates from within the home itself. A particular health concern is the accumulation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Long-term exposure to VOCs can damage the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. Common sources include:
- Air fresheners
- Fuel-burning heating
- New furniture and flooring
- Paints, varnishes, and glues
- Household cleaners and disinfectants
Store chemicals outside the home whenever possible, such as in a shed. Choose organic or low-VOC cleaning products, and turn exhaust fans on before cooking, leaving them running for at least 10 minutes afterward.
Dust and Vacuum at Least Once a Week
Dust in a home is a fact of life and much more than just a nuisance. Think of dust like a sponge that absorbs VOCs and other pollutants. It can extend the presence of those impurities and continue releasing them into your home over time. Experts recommend deep cleaning your home at least once a week. Go room to room, dusting from top to bottom with a microfiber duster or cloth. Pay particular attention to dust traps such as shelves and decorative items. Then vacuum each room using a machine with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which traps dust instead of recirculating it.
Refresh Bedding, Curtains, and Soft Surfaces
Fabrics in your home often serve as dust traps, and that dust can be difficult to eliminate through surface cleaning alone. Wash all bedding weekly in hot water to neutralize dust mites and allergens. Vacuum fabric surfaces and upholstered furniture using a HEPA-filter vacuum.
Schedule a Fall Heating Tune-Up
Forced-air heating systems are a leading contributor to poor indoor air quality (IAQ). To avoid diminished IAQ, schedule annual heating maintenance. Early fall is ideal, before your system is in regular use, but late maintenance is better than skipping it altogether. During a tune-up, an HVAC technician will inspect your heating equipment, clean components, and address normal wear and tear.
Consider Additional HVAC Maintenance
If you have central heating, schedule a duct camera inspection every few years. Over time, dust can accumulate inside ductwork and contribute to poor IAQ. Most homes benefit from professional duct cleaning every three to five years. Ducts can also develop leaks as they age, which reduces both energy efficiency and air quality. To reduce leakage to less than 5%, the EPA recommends professional duct sealing using a non-toxic aerosol.
Use a Premium HVAC Filter and Check It Regularly
The HVAC industry uses the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) to rate filter effectiveness. Higher ratings provide better filtration, but it’s essential not to exceed what your heating system can support. Most modern furnaces accommodate MERV ratings between 8 and 13. Using filters with higher ratings or HEPA filters can increase static pressure, which may reduce system performance, comfort, and IAQ.
Replace HVAC filters before they become clogged and create similar issues. Replacement frequency varies by household, so instead of following a fixed schedule, check your filter at least once a month. Replace it when dust buildup is visible, if it becomes warped, or if it creates a whistling sound.
Improve Circulation and Ventilation
Good air circulation improves both heating performance and IAQ. Experts recommend ceiling fans in rooms where practical. During winter, set fans to low speed and run them clockwise to push warm air downward. In rooms without ceiling fans, floor air circulators can help. Use bathroom exhaust fans until moisture is fully removed, and for enhanced ventilation, consider installing a heat recovery ventilator designed for winter operation.
Install a Whole-House Air Purifier
Air purification provides active, around-the-clock protection against indoor air pollution. Leading whole-home air purifiers can filter all the air in a home four or more times per hour. These systems typically include a prefilter, a HEPA filter, and activated carbon. HEPA filters capture more than 99% of airborne particles, while activated carbon absorbs gases and chemical pollutants. You can also install an in-duct germicidal light to neutralize bacteria, viruses, mold spores, dust mite eggs, and more.
Upgrade Your HVAC System With a Whole-House Humidifier
Indoor air is naturally drier during winter, and fuel-burning furnaces can worsen that dryness. Health experts recommend maintaining relative humidity (RH) at a minimum of 30%, with optimal comfort between 40% and 50%. If your home can’t reach those levels naturally, a whole-house humidifier can help. Bypass humidifiers counteract furnace-related dryness, while standalone whole-house humidifiers provide more precise humidity control throughout the home.
Minimize HVAC Usage
Running your heating system only as much as necessary helps maintain comfort while improving efficiency and IAQ. Programmable or smart thermostats make this easier through automatic scheduling that reduces heating cycles while you’re sleeping or away. Many smart thermostats also offer features such as filter change reminders and humidity monitoring.
Other Considerations
Ensure carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly and have fresh batteries. If you use wood-burning fireplaces, consider upgrading to gas for improved IAQ. Regularly inspect outdoor vents and keep them clear of snow and ice.
Local IAQ Expertise in Belleville
Armour Home Comfort is an HVAC company based in Belleville, ON, with more than 30 years of experience serving Hastings County and surrounding areas. Our NATE-certified technicians provide seasonal heating maintenance and duct services, including camera inspections, cleaning, and sealing. We also install and service whole-home air purifiers, in-duct germicidal lights, whole-house fans, whole-home humidification systems, and related IAQ solutions. Call us today to schedule a service appointment or in-home consultation.
