As colder weather drives people indoors in Toms River, indoor air quality often becomes a bigger concern. Many factors influence the air inside your home, including particulate matter and volatile organic compounds. During winter, certain conditions can cause these issues to worsen, changing how homeowners need to approach indoor air quality. Our team can help you identify and manage IAQ concerns.

Why Indoor Air Quality Worsens in Winter

During winter, windows and doors usually stay closed to keep warm air inside. While this helps with comfort and efficiency, it also reduces ventilation. With less fresh air circulating through the home, indoor contaminants can build up and increase exposure levels. Some heating systems can also impact indoor air quality. Fireplaces may circulate smoke particles, forced air systems can move dust and allergens, and combustion-based heaters may introduce carbon monoxide if ventilation is inadequate.

Everyday indoor activities can further affect air quality. Burning candles, using fireplaces, or tackling home improvement projects can raise VOC levels. These compounds are commonly released from materials such as paint, carpeting, adhesives, and countertops.

Cold weather can also contribute to mold and mildew growth if a home is not well-insulated. Many people rely on portable humidifiers during cold and flu season, which can lead to excess indoor moisture. Elevated humidity creates an environment where mold can thrive. Mold exposure may lead to symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Some individuals experience little to no reaction when exposed to airborne contaminants. Others are more vulnerable. Infants, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems may experience stronger effects. People with asthma or allergies are often sensitive to poor indoor air quality and may experience coughing, sneezing, congestion, or itchy eyes when exposed to allergens.

Addressing IAQ Issues Using Ventilation

Ventilation plays a key role in improving indoor air quality. Exhaust fans help remove moisture and airborne particles from your home. They are especially useful in kitchens and bathrooms and should be used while cooking, bathing, or cleaning. Exhaust fans can also benefit areas like basements and attics where airflow is limited.

For smaller rooms, a fan rated around 50 cubic feet per minute is typically sufficient. Larger spaces often require a fan rated at 75 CFM or higher. The CFM rating refers to the amount of air moved each minute.

A heat recovery ventilator is another effective option. This system brings fresh outdoor air into the home while exhausting stale indoor air, all while retaining heat. It improves air quality without putting extra strain on your heating system.

On mild winter days, opening windows for 10 to 15 minutes can also help refresh indoor air without significantly impacting comfort.

Professional IAQ Support

Scheduling annual HVAC maintenance is an important step in protecting indoor air quality. This service is best completed before winter begins, when your furnace will be used most often. During an inspection, technicians check system components and identify potential issues. Routine maintenance reduces the risk of carbon monoxide leaks and excessive particulate circulation.

An indoor air quality assessment can also be helpful. This evaluation identifies specific pollutants present in your home, allowing you to target problem areas more effectively. Follow-up testing can confirm that improvements are working and that no new issues have developed.

Addressing Humidity Levels

Indoor relative humidity should generally remain between 30 and 50 percent. Higher humidity levels encourage mold growth and allow airborne particles to remain suspended in the air longer. A whole-home dehumidifier works alongside your heating system to remove excess moisture.

On the other hand, winter air can sometimes become too dry. Low humidity can irritate the nasal passages, skin, and throat. A whole-home humidifier adds controlled moisture to the air, helping support respiratory comfort and overall wellness.

A smart thermostat can help manage indoor humidity more effectively. Many models include a hygrometer that allows you to monitor moisture levels and make adjustments as needed.

Keep Your Home Clean

Spending more time indoors and hosting guests during the winter can increase dust and debris buildup. Regular cleaning helps reduce airborne particles. Vacuum often using equipment equipped with a HEPA filter, and wipe down surfaces to keep contaminants from circulating.

Change Your HVAC Filter

HVAC filters typically need replacement every 30 to 90 days. During winter, when systems run more frequently, it is a good idea to check filters every 30 days. If you see visible debris or cannot see light through the filter, it is time for a replacement.

Washable HVAC filters should also be cleaned on a regular schedule. After washing, allow them to dry completely before reinstalling them. Installing a damp filter can introduce moisture into the system, increasing the risk of corrosion or mold growth.

Investing in Whole-Home Purification

Portable air purifiers can help in individual rooms, but they only treat a limited square footage. A whole-home air purification system provides more comprehensive coverage. These systems integrate with your HVAC equipment and filter air throughout the entire home as heating and cooling systems operate.

Whole-home filtration systems can handle higher resistance filters than standard HVAC systems, allowing the use of advanced options such as HEPA filters. To maintain effectiveness, filters should be cleaned or replaced according to manufacturer recommendations.

Healthy Home Practices

Simple habits can significantly improve indoor air quality. Avoid smoking or vaping indoors. Use lids when cooking to reduce smoke and odors. Remove shoes at the door to limit the spread of dirt, pollen, and other pollutants.

When completing home improvement projects, choose low-VOC or green materials whenever possible. Ensure proper ventilation during and after the work. If a project generates a large amount of dust, duct cleaning may be beneficial. Replacing your HVAC filter after major projects is also recommended, even if it has not reached its normal replacement interval.

Limiting the use of artificial fragrances, scented cleaning products, and chemical-based personal care items can further reduce indoor air pollution.

Scheduling Professional Support

Although indoor air quality challenges often increase during winter, proactive steps can help protect your home and family. One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® in Toms River offers HVAC maintenance, heating system installation, and emergency repairs. Our team also provides indoor air quality solutions, including air purification, duct cleaning, humidity control, and ventilation improvements. Contact One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® to learn more or to schedule an appointment.