We so love to make our homes snug and warm when the weather outside turns chilly that we often don’t consider how this affects the quality of the air we breathe. Yes, our cozy cocoon can become a breeding ground for bacterial!
Some studies claim that indoor air is five times more polluted than outdoor air. In fact, some health issues could be causally linked to poor indoor air quality, such as headaches and respiratory problems. New homes usually have an efficient air exchange system that helps maintain good air quality, but this system is rarely enough in wintertime. And while we may keep our homes spick and span from the attic to the basement, the air will remain dirty if nothing is done. So when the temperature drops, follow these tips to ensure that your home’s air remains pollutant free!
1— Don’t Turn Your House into a Sauna
It may be tempting to walk around the house barefoot in a short-sleeved t-shirt in the winter. The most comfortable way to dress, right? But to do that, you need to heat your home, often to more than 22 o Celsius (unless you’re not sensitive to the cold). Unfortunately, this is the temperature at which bacteria thrive. If you want to breathe cleaner air, aim for a cooler range of between 18 o and 20 o Celsius.
2— Air Out the Rooms the Right Way
Many of us will leave a window cracked open for several hours, hoping that this will be enough to air out a room. A much more effective method is to open the windows wide for 15 minutes twice a day. Plus, this results in less heat loss overall. If you can, open more than one window at a time for better air flow. You may need to wear an extra layer to stay warm while you ventilate the room, but it’s for your own good!
3— Wash Dense Fabrics
Large quantities of dust can be harmful to the lungs. Since anything made of thick fabric in your home attracts it, in winter more than ever, consider washing your rugs, comforters and curtains to improve the quality of the ambient air. If your laundry machine is too small to accommodate them, drop them off at the dry cleaner’s.
4— Use a Portable Space Heater… Sparingly
Are you familiar with these backup heaters that look like small electrical appliances that can be moved from room to room? They will increase the residents’ level of comfort in colder weather, especially in the case of poorly insulated homes. But these portable electric radiators can dry out the air when left on for hours on end. According to CAA-Quebec, reduced moisture in the air may dehydrate our mucous membranes, making them more susceptible to irritation, colds and other respiratory ailments. So use your space heaters in moderation!
5— Dehumidify if You Must
If air that is too dry is bad for our health, so is air that is too damp. High humidity levels may lead to mould growing in walls. Even a small amount of mould can attack the lungs and increase the risk of developing allergies. Purchase a dehumidifier to resolve the situation.
6— Clean Your Air Vents
It’s easy to miss the bathroom exhaust fan during a top to bottom clean, but if you take the time to look you may find that it is encrusted with grime and stained with rings. It is difficult for the air exhaust system to properly do its job if left in such a state! The solution: dust and degrease thoroughly with white vinegar, for example.
7— Banish Harsh Chemicals!
Our last bit of advice for keeping the air inside your home fresh and pure this winter is to limit the use of chemical cleaners. Make sure your detergent and soap bottles aren’t releasing any — or very few — volatile organic compounds. Go green! This is just as true in summer, but since we tend to air out our homes more frequently in the warmer months, it’s less of a concern.
If you experience more headaches, persistent coughs and drier skin than usual this winter, the air inside your home may be to blame.
Carry out our recommendations, go outside to get some fresh air every day, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.