THE BEST WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR INDOOR AIR QUALITY THIS WINTER

February 3, 2025

Share this article

The winter season can be tough. Colder temperatures and snow can be challenging enough, but closed indoor conditions can make it difficult to breathe and trigger allergic reactions. Luckily, there are steps you can take to improve your indoor air quality this winter.

AIR QUALITY ISSUES IN THE WINTER

The Environmental Protection Agency indicates that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outside air. Poor indoor air quality can be particularly challenging during the winter when we keep our doors and windows closed and sealed to conserve warmth and energy. These closed conditions prevent fresh air from circulating in the house, reducing breathability.

During the winter, dirt and debris can accumulate in furnaces and impact air quality. When you turn on your heating system, this buildup can circulate inside of your home. Pet danger and mold growth can also deteriorate indoor air quality and aggravate allergies. In addition, poor indoor air quality can lead to respiratory problems over time. Wintertime can be challenging, but there are ways to improve your indoor air quality.

CHECK YOUR AIR FILTERS

Monitoring your air filters is a great first step toward better air quality. By regularly checking your HVAC air filters, you can see if they need to be cleaned or replaced. When these filters get clogged with dirt and particles, they can’t properly filter out contaminants. Dirty filters can lead to pollutants and debris getting circulated in your house.


If you need to replace your filters, you could upgrade them to improve air quality in your home. A higher MERV, or minimum efficiency reporting value, can help capture more microscopic particles that reduce air quality and can lead to health issues. We recommend consulting with a knowledgeable HVAC contractor to determine the best filters for your home.

VENTILATION, HUMIDIFIERS, AND DEHUMIDIFIERS

Opening a window for a brief time is another way to improve indoor air quality. Since ventilation is reduced in the winter, a short period of fresh air coming into the house can help with stuffy conditions. Increased ventilation also helps decrease the concentration of indoor air pollutants from sources like cleaning supplies and air fresheners.


Making use of humidifiers can also help add moisture to the air and alleviate dryness. Dry conditions can lead to coughs and irritated skin, but humidifiers can alleviate these problems. In areas with too much moisture, like basements, you can use a dehumidifier to help lessen dampness. Excessive moisture leads to mold and mildew, which are unhealthy to breathe and can cause allergic reactions.

USE AIR PURIFIERS

Using air purifiers will help with air quality this winter. Air purifiers with HEPA filters help remove allergens and pollutants from recirculated indoor air. They pull air through layers of filters to capture particles and push clean air into rooms.


Modern purifiers often come with technology that can capture smaller-sized contaminants, such as animal dander. Some models use carbon filters to reduce chemical vapors and odors. If you arrange for an air quality inspection, an HVAC professional can advise you about air purifying options.

INSTALL AN AIR FILTRATION SYSTEM OR HVAC UV LIGHTS

To greatly improve air quality, you could consult with an HVAC contractor about installing a whole-home air filtration system. These systems address poor indoor air quality issues not just for rooms but the entire house.


Air filtration systems are integrated into your HVAC unit to reduce indoor contaminants. Whole-home systems use a filter system to clean out harmful particles and allergens. You can operate your heating and clean the air at the same time. These units also remove the need to place air purifiers throughout your house.


You may also opt for HVAC UV lights to improve indoor air quality. UV lights can be installed in ductwork or air handlers and are powerful enough to kill bacteria and viruses. They effectively target germs that can aggravate asthma and eliminate harmful contaminants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

SCHEDULE HVAC MAINTENANCE

Scheduling heating and cooling maintenance is a final step you can take to improve indoor air quality. Annual maintenance provides an opportunity for a trained technician to evaluate and clean your heating system. A clean and well-functioning furnace or heat pump helps reduce dust and debris that can worsen air quality.


Our locally owned and operated company specializes in HVAC maintenance plans and indoor air quality improvement. For a trusted advisor and full air quality services, call AAA Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning today.



Recent Posts

A couple consults with a service technician near an air conditioning unit outside.
October 6, 2025
Winters in Huntingdon Valley, PA often bring below-freezing temperatures, crisp winds, and moderate snow. When the mercury plummets, having a functional furnace is important. Your heating system keeps your pipes from freezing and protects your household from hypothermia, frostnip, and other cold-related illnesses. Fortunately, you can prevent dangerous mid-winter breakdowns with fall furnace maintenance. Read on to find out how.
Two men examining a furnace in a utility closet. One gestures, explaining the unit.
September 2, 2025
Before the cold winter season sets in, it’s vital to properly prepare your home for seasonal changes. While pulling out your snow shovels and adding more blankets to your couch are helpful, one thing you never want to forget to prep is your heating system. Below, we’ll discuss the key steps every homeowner must take to have a well-functioning, efficient furnace by the time winter blows in.
August 6, 2025
UV lighting technology has a surprising number of applications in HVAC systems. You can install UV lights in ventilation, heating, and air conditioning systems, among others. A special variant known as UV-C light has the handy effect of neutralizing pathogens that linger throughout conventional HVAC setups. At AAA Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning, we specialize in UV light HVAC installations for homeowners and businesses in Huntingdon Valley, PA. Read on to learn about all the surprising benefits that emerge when you incorporate UV lighting into your HVAC system.
July 2, 2025
You might think changing the air filter on the HVAC is only important for air quality. But the truth is, the filter impacts the system’s energy efficiency and overall performance in several ways. Forgetting to change the filter every so often will do much more than increase dust buildup and allergy flare-ups. Let’s break down how clean filters boost your HVAC system’s performance and help it last longer.
June 16, 2025
Air conditioning is the biggest expense for many homeowners during the summer months. The fact that air conditioning can be so costly means you should always take some steps to ensure your AC continues working efficiently and to try and limit the amount of work it has to do.
May 3, 2025
The most significant early sign of spring in Huntingdon Valley, PA, is the rise in temperature. As the days get warmer, you want to stay comfortable in your home. That is when your attention will turn to your home’s air conditioning. It has probably been several months since you last turned on the AC. If you have lingering concerns with your system from the last time you turned it on, now is the time to replace your AC before summer hits and those rising temperatures become a real problem. The following are some important reasons you need to consider replacing your air conditioner before summer hits.
April 2, 2025
Your HVAC system is vital for keeping your family comfortable throughout the year. HVAC systems have many components and require regular maintenance to keep them working efficiently. Although it costs money to schedule annual HVAC maintenance, it can save you long-term. AAA Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning in Huntingdon Valley, PA wants you to understand the benefits of seeking routine HVAC maintenance and how it can save you money in the long-term.
March 1, 2025
The weather in Huntingdon Valley, PA tends to experience some pretty high temperatures in the summer. Having a properly functioning cooling system is key to staying comfortable and keeping your cooling costs affordable. There are several things you can do in the spring to ensure the AC performs optimally throughout the whole summer.
January 2, 2025
Pennsylvania’s weather is temperamental, and since the state has quite an elevation difference, winters can be brutal. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your HVAC system can handle the cold winter’s demands. Without proper preparations for the winter, energy costs can be higher, especially if a part of your HVAC system malfunctions.
Close-up of a residential air conditioning unit's fan and protective grill.
December 4, 2024
Enjoy Endless Hot Water
Show More