When winter arrives in Ontario, most of us spend nearly 90% of our time indoors. Doors shut, windows sealed, and heating systems working around the clock. While that keeps the cold at bay, it also traps something far less welcome inside: stale, polluted air.
Dust, allergens, pet dander, mold spores, and even chemicals from cleaning products or building materials circulate through our homes, often unnoticed. Over time, this buildup can affect comfort, trigger allergies, and even impact overall health.
Fortunately, improving indoor air quality during winter isn’t complicated, it just takes the right strategy.
Here are the top five expert-recommended ways to breathe cleaner, healthier air all season long.
1. Replace or Upgrade Your Furnace Filter Regularly
Your furnace filter is your first line of defense against airborne particles. During Ontario winters, when your furnace runs almost non-stop, filters get dirty faster than you might expect.
A clogged or outdated filter doesn’t just reduce air quality, it forces your furnace to work harder, increasing energy use and wear on the system.
How to improve air quality through filtration:
- Replace disposable filters every 1–3 months during winter.
- Consider upgrading to a high-efficiency MERV 11–13 filter for finer particle capture.
- For families with allergies or pets, ask about HEPA-compatible filtration systems.
At Guest Plumbing & HVAC, we include filter checks and replacements in our Furnace Maintenance Packages, ensuring your air stays clean and your system efficient all season long.
2. Keep Humidity in Balance
Winter air in Ontario is notoriously dry. While dry air may seem harmless, it can lead to:
- Itchy skin and dry throat
- Static shocks
- Cracked wood furniture or flooring
- Increased spread of airborne viruses
The ideal indoor humidity range is 35% to 50%.
Below that, air feels harsh and irritates the respiratory system; above that, it can promote mold growth.
Simple ways to maintain healthy humidity:
- Use a whole-home humidifier attached to your HVAC system for consistent control.
- Monitor levels using a digital hygrometer.
- Clean humidifiers regularly to prevent bacterial buildup.
A professionally installed humidifier not only keeps your home comfortable but also helps your furnace work more efficiently.
3. Increase Ventilation and Fresh Air Exchange
In winter, tightly sealed homes trap pollutants inside, from cooking fumes to cleaning chemicals. The solution? Controlled ventilation.
Balanced ventilation systems like HRVs (Heat Recovery Ventilators) or ERVs (Energy Recovery Ventilators) pull in fresh outdoor air while retaining the heat from outgoing stale air, keeping your indoor air fresh without wasting energy.
Benefits of an HRV/ERV system:
- Constant flow of fresh air
- Reduction in condensation and mold risk
- Improved energy efficiency compared to opening windows
- Balanced humidity and oxygen levels
Guest Plumbing & HVAC installs and maintains HRV systems designed specifically for cold Ontario climates, ensuring your home breathes even when windows stay closed.
4. Reduce Indoor Pollutants at the Source
Not all air pollution comes from outside. Many pollutants originate from our daily routines:
- Scented candles, air fresheners, and cleaning sprays can emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
- Pet dander accumulates in carpets and upholstery.
- Dust mites thrive in warm, closed environments.
Practical steps to minimize indoor pollutants:
- Use natural cleaning products whenever possible.
- Vacuum with a HEPA-filter vacuum weekly.
- Wash bedding in hot water to eliminate allergens.
- Limit smoking or burning candles indoors.
Even small habits make a big difference when practiced consistently.
5. Schedule a Professional HVAC Cleaning and Air Quality Assessment
Even with filters and good habits, dust and debris still accumulate inside ductwork, vents, and heating systems.
A professional duct cleaning and air quality assessment ensures the air moving through your home is truly clean.
During a professional service, technicians will:
- Clean ducts, registers, and grilles.
- Inspect your HVAC system for mold or dust buildup.
- Test for carbon monoxide and other harmful gases.
- Recommend air purification or filtration upgrades suited to your home.
At Guest Plumbing & HVAC, our technicians use advanced tools and sanitizing methods to eliminate buildup and restore fresh airflow. It’s one of the simplest ways to make your home feel instantly fresher.
FAQs:
Q: How can I tell if my indoor air is unhealthy?
A: Common signs include headaches, dry throat, itchy eyes, frequent dust buildup, or stale odors. A professional air quality test can confirm levels of pollutants or allergens.
Q: Does air quality affect heating efficiency?
A: Yes. Poor airflow from dirty filters or ducts forces your furnace to work harder, raising energy costs and shortening equipment lifespan.
Q: What’s better for air quality — portable purifiers or whole-home systems?
A: Portable purifiers help in single rooms, but whole-home systems connected to your HVAC deliver consistent results across every space.
Breathe Easier This Winter
Improving indoor air quality during winter doesn’t just make your home feel better, it helps you sleep soundly, reduces allergy symptoms, and protects your family’s long-term health.
By combining regular furnace maintenance, balanced humidity, proper ventilation, and source control, you can transform your indoor environment from stale to revitalizing.
Ready to breathe easier?
Contact Guest Plumbing & HVAC today to schedule a furnace tune-up, air duct cleaning, or indoor air quality assessment before the cold settles in.
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