During winter, maintaining good indoor air quality (IAQ) can become a challenge. You keep your windows closed to conserve heat, which reduces the circulation of fresh air in your home. This places the burden of indoor air quality on your home’s HVAC system. Here is how to maintain good IAQ during the winter months.
Filter Maintenance
The ideal time for a thorough round of filter maintenance is just before winter arrives. Standard fiberglass filters usually need replacement every three months, while HEPA and activated charcoal filters in home air purifiers typically last about six months. Homes with UV light systems require a new bulb once per year. Coordinating all these replacements annually is an effective way to maintain excellent indoor air quality.
It’s also good practice to inspect HVAC filters monthly, even if they aren’t yet due for replacement. Fiberglass filters often accumulate dust, pet hair, and dander more quickly than expected and may require earlier replacement. Most filters are easy to remove and reinstall, making this a simple DIY task that helps keep your system running efficiently.
Humidity Management
During winter in Illinois, heating systems can dry out the air in your home. This situation leads to health issues such as dry skin, sore throats, and irritated eyes. It can also increase susceptibility to colds and respiratory infections. Dry air can also damage wood floors, furniture, and cabinets, causing cracking or warping over time.
Maintaining indoor humidity between 30-50% is important for comfort, health, and protecting your home. Many homeowners install a whole-home humidifier directly into their HVAC system. These units connect to the water supply, allowing the humidifier to evenly distribute moisture throughout your home whenever your heater is running. A professional installation ensures proper placement, integration with your HVAC system, and accurate control settings. This ensures your home maintains optimal humidity levels.
Filtration Upgrades
Many homes rely on standard fiberglass HVAC filters, which provide basic protection against large dust and debris. However, upgrading to a higher-quality filter can improve indoor air quality. This is especially true during winter when respiratory illnesses are more common. Filters are rated by the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) system, which indicates how effectively they capture particles. A higher MERV rating filter captures finer particles, such as dust and pet dander. However, it’s important to choose a filter that your HVAC system can handle without restricting airflow.
Upgrading filtration isn’t as simple as swapping in a higher-rated filter. If the filter is too dense for your HVAC system, it can reduce airflow and strain your heating system. Our technicians can evaluate your system and recommend the right filter type and MERV rating for your home. When needed, we can also adjust your HVAC blower to ensure proper airflow while maintaining superior filtration.
If you have family members with respiratory issues, consider installing a whole-home air purifier. These systems integrate with your HVAC return ductwork and combine high-grade filters and activated carbon to remove allergens, odors, and pathogens.
HVAC Tune-Ups
Regular HVAC tune-ups are essential for maintaining good indoor air quality. When a system loses efficiency or performance, airflow throughout your home decreases. This reduces the exchange of clean air, allowing dust and airborne pathogens to linger longer.
Many Illinois homeowners schedule HVAC tune-ups just before the winter heating season begins. Our technicians perform a variety of maintenance tasks and tests, including:
- Lubricating moving parts
- Cleaning burners
- Calibrating thermostats
- Testing HVAC airflow
Besides improving indoor air quality, a tune-up lowers the risk of a mid-winter breakdown. Annual maintenance also helps extend your HVAC system’s lifespan and boosts efficiency, saving you money on energy bills.
Duct Cleaning
Even in homes with excellent air filtration, dust and debris can build up inside the ductwork over time. We recommend duct cleaning every three to five years. Our technicians use specialized tools to clean your ducts, including industrial-grade vacuums and brushes. This allows them to remove dirt, pest droppings, and debris that have accumulated over the years. A thorough cleaning not only improves indoor air quality but also helps your HVAC system run more efficiently.
Contact Your Local HVAC Experts
At Allegiance Heating & Cooling, we have been serving the residents of Mokena, IL for more than 25 years. We install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems. As a local business, we focus on building long-term customer relationships. This means you can count on quality work at reasonable prices.
If you are concerned about indoor air quality in your Mokena home, contact Allegiance Heating & Cooling today.
