Normally, you’d think that allergies are the worst in spring and summer, when the trees are full and flowers are blooming. However, allergies can actually be exacerbated during winter.
You might be surprised to hear that some people experience a sudden increase in allergy symptoms during the winter. Most people stay indoors during cold weather, and allergens can become concentrated in the home.
There are a number of reasons why allergies can get worse during the winter season. We’re going to explore these reasons and share how to reduce indoor air quality issues in winter. Read on for a guide to how indoor air quality is impacted in the colder months.
Causes of Increased Allergy Issues
Understanding the causes of increased allergy issues can help you take steps to improve your indoor environment. Let’s delve into each of the common causes of increased allergy issues during winter.
Indoor Allergens
Dust Mites
During the winter, dust mite activity increases because these microscopic creatures thrive in warm and cozy environments. Indoor heating creates the ideal environment for these allergens to live in and multiply.
Dust mites typically live in bedding, carpets or rugs, and upholstered furniture and release waste particles that can cause allergic reactions.
Pet Dander
Pet dander also increases during the winter since animals stay inside longer than during the warmer seasons. When you’re cuddled up with your furry friends, remember that this close contact can expose you to pet dander.
Pet dander tends to accumulate when cleaning efforts decrease and the home get limited fresh air circulation. For those allergies to pet dander, this can mean increased symptoms like itchy, watery eyes, a stuffy nose, or sneezing.
Mold Chemicals
Indoor humidity levels can actually be quite high during winter due to showering, cooking, and drying clothes indoors. This humid environment is the ideal condition for mold growth, especially in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
When mold spores are released into the air, people can experience allergy symptoms and even asthma attacks. Spores can spread quickly without proper ventilation and dehumidification measures.
Spend More Time Inside
During the winter, people tend to spend more time inside to avoid the cold. This means less fresh air enters the house since windows and doors are tightly shut. With little air circulation and poor ventilation, allergens are stuck inside.
The allergens in your home will recirculate throughout the rooms without proper ventilation. Additionally, prolonged exposure to allergens can worsen symptoms.
Dry Air Due to Heating Systems
Increased heating system usage brings drier indoor air. Heating systems can also stir up allergens that have been sitting in air ducts or vents and circulate them throughout the house. Dry air can be reduced using a quality humidifier. Humidifiers work to add moisture back into the air using water vapor or steam.
How to Reduce Winter IAQ Issues
If you’re having indoor air quality (IAQ) issues, it can be extremely frustrating. Here are a few tips for reducing IAQ issues during winter so you can breathe more easily.
High-Quality Air Filters
The type of air filter you use can dramatically impact indoor air quality. Experts recommend True HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters for those who struggle with indoor allergies. This type of air filter captures 99.97% of tiny allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander. Change the air filters every 30-90 days, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.
Air filters are key for trapping allergens instead of recirculating them throughout your home.
Increase Humidity Levels
Increasing humidity levels can help you breathe more easily. You can use a humidifier to introduce more moisture into your indoor air. Be sure to keep your indoor humidity level below 50% though, so as not to support mold growth.
Professional Duct Cleaning
Professional duct cleaning utilizes vacuums, compressors, and other tools to clean air ducts of allergens, dust, and debris. A highly trained HVAC technician will use state-of-the-art equipment to restore your air ducts to their original condition and remove all unwanted particles.
Air Purifiers
Air purifiers are designed to filter and clean indoor air to reduce allergens and other airborne particles. Air purifiers remove allergens while they float in the air, so you can reduce your symptoms.
There are many types of portable air purifiers that use various technologies to filter the air, ranging from mechanical filters to photoelectrochemical oxidation (PECO).
Schedule Indoor Air Quality Testing Appointment
If you are struggling with winter indoor air quality at home, call Mercurio’s for an IAQ testing appointment. We will test your family’s exposure to smoke, allergens, mold, and air pollutants. We can recommend an indoor air quality system from top brands like Air Scrubber by Aerus and Daikin. Give us a call today for a system installation estimate at (360) 499-2980 or schedule online.
