In the United States, we spend about 90% of our time indoors. That’s why indoor air quality (IAQ) is so important to prioritize as a homeowner, especially in the rainy winter season in Tacoma, Washington. Keeping the air we breathe clean promotes better respiratory health, improved cognitive function, and a stronger immune system.
Wondering how to improve indoor air quality in Tacoma? Source control, ventilation, and filtration all help reduce exposure to pollutants and improve indoor air quality. In this guide, we’ll explore why Tacoma homeowners should consider IAQ solutions for their homes, especially during the winter season.
Why Indoor Air Quality Suffers in Winter
There are several reasons indoor air quality can suffer in winter. From wood-burning fireplaces to water damage and mold, many factors impact the air we breathe.
Burning Wood in the Fireplace
When burning wood in your fireplace, it’s important to use only dry, seasoned wood to reduce smoke. Additionally, it’s essential to have a certified technician inspect and service your fireplace and chimney annually to catch any issues early.
Water Damage and Mold
Water damage from roof leaks can lead to dangerous mold buildup inside the home, impacting indoor air quality. Also, with freezing temperatures, it’s critical to prevent your pipes from bursting and causing water damage and mold growth.
Snow and Ice
When you get snow or ice at your home, it’s essential to clear it from the furnace, fireplace, and dryer vents to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide and other indoor pollutants.
Power Outages
If you have a winter power outage lasting more than a few hours, indoor air quality can be significantly affected. Avoid using fuel-powered portable generators indoors. Portable generators should be run at least 20 feet away from the home. Also, never use a gas-burning heater in a closed or poorly ventilated room.
Tacoma’s Humid Climate and Mold Concerns
Tacoma, Washington, experiences very humid, wet winters. With frequent rainfall and cool temperatures, Tacoma homes can see ideal conditions for mold growth. Homes with older construction or limited ventilation may become moisture-rich environments where mold can thrive.
Tacoma can see high humidity levels up to 80% in the winter months, such as December. Mold growth can happen when there are leaks in a home or poor ventilation.
Easy Steps to Improve IAQ at Home
There are a few simple steps you can take to improve indoor air quality in your home. Use these tips to avoid mold growth in your home.
Ventilate Your Home Daily
To reduce indoor pollutants, open a window and run fans for 15 minutes a day. It’s best to do this in the early evening, when pollen counts are lower, if you have allergies.
Clean Mold
If you notice mold anywhere in your home, scrub it away with dishwashing liquid and water. Do not use bleach to clean mold. If it is a serious amount of mold, call a specialist to clean it up safely.
Vacuum and Dust Regularly
By vacuuming and dusting with a damp cloth, you can reduce the dust particles carrying pollutants in your home.
Reduce Humidity and Monitor Temperature
It’s recommended to keep your thermostat set to 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity between 40-50% during the winter.
Move Furniture Away from Walls
You should move furniture pieces at least six inches from the walls to allow for air circulation. Air circulation helps prevent mold from growing in tight spaces.
Top IAQ Solutions: Filters, Purifiers, and Humidifiers
Luckily, there are also professional IAQ solutions such as an air filtration system, an electronic air cleaner, or a humidifier.
Air Filtration System
Installing a home air filtration system reduces allergies and helps you breathe easier and sleep better. With an air filtration system, you can spend less time cleaning and dusting and more time living in clean air. Advanced systems can eliminate up to 99.98% of airborne allergens and filter particles as small as 0.1 microns.
There are many types of air filtration systems, including:
- Whole-home air purifiers
- HEPA air purifying filtration systems
- Electrostatic air filters
- UV light purifiers
Contact Mercurio’s Heating & Air Conditioning for assistance in choosing an air filtration system for your home.
Electronic Air Cleaner
An electronic air cleaner, or ionizer, is an advanced HVAC air purification system that helps remove harmful particles from your home's air. It’s able to effectively capture dust,
pollen, bacteria, viruses, and even mold spores.
Electronic air cleaners work by charging particles as they pass through the cleaner. The charged particles will then stick to the collector plates inside the unit, thereby removing them from your indoor air circulation.
These air cleaning systems help extend the life of your HVAC and improve indoor air quality. You’ll notice less dust and particles throughout your home, fewer allergies, and healthier air.
Humidifiers
Humidifier systems ensure your home is at the ideal humidity level. This can reduce allergies, solve sinus problems, stop dry skin, and more. Also, with a humidifier, your home will feel warmer at a lower thermostat setting during the winter.
Schedule Your Indoor Air Quality Assessment
At Mercurio’s Heating & Air Conditioning, we love improving indoor air quality for our customers. We specialize in indoor air quality solutions so you can feel healthier and safer in your Tacoma home. With air filtration systems, air duct cleaning, electronic air cleaners, and more, we’ll help you improve IAQ in no time.
Breathe easier this winter. Schedule your indoor air quality assessment with Mercurio’s Heating & Air Conditioning today.
