Indoor Air Quality Improvement: Tips for Portland, OR, Winter
As you're thinking about indoor air quality improvement tips in Portland, OR, winter brings some special considerations.
The Pacific Northwest air is damp and thick this time of year. When you close up your home, that same air gets stale and, usually, even more humid. The unique combination of cold and rainy weather doesn’t help, so it’s important to take proactive steps to guarantee better air quality throughout the season.
Top Indoor Air Quality Improvement Tips in Portland, OR, Winters
You don’t need a home renovation or an HVAC overhaul to improve your home’s air quality. Sometimes, even the smallest things make a significant difference.
Focus on Humidity
Humidity dictates your indoor air quality in a place like Portland. It’s a little more complex during winter, though; running your furnace can actually dry out the air, which irritates your throat and sinuses.
Whole-home humidifiers are the best solution for finding the happy medium between thick, wet air and suffocating dryness. The sweet spot is somewhere between 30% and 50% humidity. These humidity control systems can add and remove moisture, so you can easily adjust the levels based on what your home needs.
Upgrade Your Air Filters
Standard furnace filters aren’t always built to protect your health. Their primary purpose is to keep your HVAC system healthy, but many options do both.
Even if you have a high-efficiency filter already, remember to clean your filter monthly. Clogged filters hurt air quality and also force your HVAC to work overtime, increasing your energy consumption.
Ventilate
It sounds counterproductive to open a window when the air outside is freezing. It isn’t; your home needs to breathe fresh air, too. If you don’t have a mechanical ventilation system, open your windows on dry days to flush out stale air, even if it’s only for a few minutes.
Act Now for Cleaner Air
DIY methods help, but nothing beats implementing these indoor air quality improvement tips in Portland, OR, winters with the help of an HVAC professional. Contact the team at The Clean Air Act today to learn more about your options and schedule an appointment with a technician.
