As the Wasatch Front settles into November, falling leaves, dust, and lingering outdoor allergens may be on the decline—but that doesn’t mean your lungs get a break. Colder weather keeps us indoors more, which means dust, pet dander, mold, and other indoor pollutants can build up quickly.
The good news? You don’t have to suffer indoors—you can turn your home into a healthy, comfortable refuge with indoor air quality solutions. In this blog, we’ll explore 3 ways to improve your home’s air quality this fall and winter. Each of these options can help you breathe easier, stay comfortable, and make your home the seasonal sanctuary you deserve.
How Indoor Air Quality Affects Your Health and Well-Being
But first, it’s important to understand that your indoor air quality can have a bigger impact on your health than you might realize. Dust, pet dander, and mold spores can trigger allergy symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes. For those with asthma, these pollutants can worsen breathing difficulties and even spark attacks.
But it’s not just about allergies. Fine particles from heating systems, fireplaces, or cleaning products can irritate your eyes, throat, and skin—potentially causing headaches, fatigue, or dizziness. Long-term exposure can contribute to chronic respiratory problems and put extra strain on your heart—especially during winter, when ventilation is limited and heaters circulate the same air throughout your home.
This ongoing exposure doesn’t just affect your body—it can affect your daily routine and expenses, too. And it’s not just physical discomfort—treatments and medications to manage symptoms can add up, both in cost and effort, creating stress that affects your quality of life. Taking steps to improve your indoor air can help reduce these risks, letting you breathe easier, feel healthier, and enjoy your home more fully.
Breathe Better: Humidify, Purify, and Clean Your Indoor Air
1. Humidify the Air
Keeping the right humidity in your home can help prevent dry sinuses, bloody noses, and cracked lips by keeping your skin hydrated. It can ease itchy throats or eyes the same way. It can even help prevent colds, the flu, or bronchitis.
Room Humidifier:
This is what most people think of when they hear “humidifier.” It sits on an end table and vents mist out into the room. They’re a great targeted approach to humidifying a small area, and they’re often inexpensive and easy to use. Be careful not to run it too often, as too much moisture is as bad as not enough. You’ll also want to deep clean it regularly to prevent bacteria and mold from growing in the machine.
Whole-Home Humidifier:
A whole-home humidifier is installed on your HVAC system to humidify the air. They are easily retrofitted to an existing system and are simple to maintain. They cost a little more upfront, but the comfort and health benefits can quickly justify the extra expense.
2. Purify the Air
An air purifier uses UV light to reduce viruses, bacteria, mold spores, and volatile organic compounds in the air in your home. According to ClevelandClinic.org, that can do more than make it easier to breathe. It can help ease coughing, reduce congestion, and improve lung function. It can even lower blood pressure for people with heart disease.
Room Air Purifier:
If you place one of these near your bed at night, the clean air can help your lungs relax with the rest of you. A one-room air purifier can sanitize the air in a small, enclosed room in less than 30 minutes. Remember to keep it close to you for the best results.
Whole-Home Air Purifier:
Whole-Home Air Purifiers can be well worth the extra investment. Distance isn’t as important here, because all the air in your home gets treated. A single installation into your existing HVAC system can protect every room in the house.
3. Clean the Air
The air filter near your furnace does a great job of protecting your HVAC system from dust and dirt. A high-quality air filter can catch mold, bacteria, or dust mites that trigger allergies and asthma attacks. It can also help prevent congestion and remove pollutants to help you sleep more easily.
Standard Air Filter:
A standard 1” air filter can do a great job at protecting your HVAC system and cleaning the air in your home. Air filters are rated on their effectiveness with a tiered system known as MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values) ratings. The higher the rating, the smaller the particles the filter can catch.
For example, higher-rated filters can capture fine dust, smoke particles, pollen, and some bacteria, but not all viruses. It’s important to note that not every HVAC system can handle very high-MERV filters, as they can restrict airflow. As a general guideline, most standard residential systems work best with filters rated MERV 8–13.
Whole-Home Air Cleaning System:
If you’re invested in clean air, you can upgrade your standard air filter to a dedicated cleaning system. They can trap a lot more than a standard air filter, and you don’t need to change them as often. That can keep your HVAC system running smoothly help you breathe easier even longer. You can easily retrofit one into your existing HVAC system or add it to a replacement system you’re working on.
Find the Best Indoor Air Quality Solutions for Your Home
For more information on healthy air options, check out this episode of our “In The House” podcast. If you’re ready to take the next step, Any Hour Services can help assess your home’s indoor air quality. Our certified HVAC technicians will review your current setup, explain your options, and recommend the best solutions for your needs. You can book online or give us a call to set up an appointment—schedule today for better air tomorrow!
Join our email list to get access to weekly emails with helpful videos, educational articles, and DIY home maintenance guides.