If your home gets stuffy during the warmer months, you can just open a few windows to air it out. As this isn't an option during the winter, though, homeowners must find other ways to improve indoor air quality. This is especially true for those who have high-efficiency HVAC systems. Such systems are so efficient that they rarely allow new air to enter circulation. While recycling air lowers utility bills, it also exposes your family to increasingly more dust, dirt, pet dander, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—unless you apply the following strategies. 

3 Tips for Improving Air Quality During the Winter Months 

1. Vacuum & Mop Regularly 

Maintaining a clean home will eliminate contaminants from the surfaces in your home, thereby preventing them from being kicked up into the air. Vacuum all the carpeting throughout the house once a week, and mop all the hard flooring twice a month to prevent dust and bacteria from accumulating. 

2. Use an Air Purifier 

A quality air purifier can effectively remove airborne irritants and allergens, including mold, smoke odor, pollen, and VOCs. If your home gets especially stuffy during the wintertime, consider purchasing units for the rooms in which you and your family spend the most time, like the bedrooms and living room. 

3. Upgrade Your HVAC Filters

When it comes time to replace the air filters in your HVAC system, there are a number of options to choose from. While standard filters can remove relatively large particles from the air, HEPA filters remove even the smallest irritants. Before upgrading to HEPA filters, though, ask your HVAC tech if your unit can accommodate them because not all systems can. 

Servicing your HVAC system regularly will also improve indoor air quality. Qualified technicians can inspect the ductwork for mold and check for refrigerant leaks. To schedule a comprehensive tuneup, turn to A&B Heating & Air Conditioning in Burlington, KY. Serving residents of northern Kentucky, southeast Indiana, and the greater Cincinnati area, their licensed team is equipped to install, repair, and replace both residential and commercial HVAC systems. Since 1966, this full-service contractor has been keeping the Tri-State comfortable. To schedule a tuneup, reach out online or call (859) 525-0100.