Improving Indoor Air Quality in Winter
Once you identify the IAQ culprits inside the home, it’s time to implement processes to clean it up.
1. VENTILATE
Start by releasing polluted air from the home with effective ventilation. Use ceiling and box fans to move air, and crack windows and doors as often as the weather allows. Exhaust fans are essential for sending damp, stale air out of the home. Turn them on in bathrooms with each shower, and run them in the kitchen when cooking. Also, use them in the laundry room and other spaces as needed. If your fans don’t work effectively, check that they are vented to the outdoors and look for blockages. Lingering food scents, foggy mirrors and windows, and mold are all strong indicators that vent fans are not doing their job. To test exhaust fans, hold a ribbon of tissue near the fan while it is on. The appliance should suck the tissue inward. If it doesn’t, it is time for a replacement.
2. MINIMIZE INDOOR POLLUTION
One of the most effective ways to improve air quality is to reduce contaminants at the source. To do this, consider how you use the products and systems within your home. z Switch to low-VOC products. Read labels to find “low-VOC” paints, finishes, and cleaning supplies to reduce chemical emissions. z Maintain appliances. Like a well-maintained car, appliances like furnaces, stoves, and fireplaces are safer and more air-friendly without leaks or worn parts. Follow a recommended maintenance schedule for all appliances and seek out efficient models when it’s time to replace them. z Ban indoor smoking. Cigarette smoke contains thousands of harmful chemicals that linger in fabrics and surfaces. Plus, it’s toxic to inhale, even for bystanders.
September 2024 21 December 2025
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