Winter Indoor Air Quality Guide: Humidifiers, Purifiers, and More

The air feels crisp, the sun is shining, and a wintertime chill has started to set in. To keep heat from escaping in the wintertime, many homeowners seal their windows tightly. While this is an energy-efficient decision, it isn’t ideal for your indoor air quality (IAQ). 

Unfortunately, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found that indoor air often has pollutant concentrations that are two to five times higher than outdoor air. Even during Denver’s “Brown Cloud” inversion weather, outdoor air still contains fewer pollutants. 

When it comes to indoor air quality in Denver, changing an air filter isn’t enough to protect the health and well-being of your family. Our unique climate features Mile High City altitudes, extreme dryness, and I-25 corridor pollution. Because of this, local residents need IAQ solutions that go beyond the filter. Whether you need a humidifier, scrubber, or improved ventilation system, our team of experienced heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians can help.

Important Health & Safety Note: Winter is the peak season for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning because so many people are using their fireplaces and furnaces. Because of this, it is essential to test your CO detector once per month. Additionally, the Denver Metro area is known for its high radon levels. Because this represents a silent lung hazard, it’s important to be proactive about mitigating this hazard.

The “Dry” Problem: Why Denver Winters Hurt

As winter weather rolls around, the temperature starts to drop. Cold air holds less moisture, which is why the humidity levels start to fall as well. 

When you switch on your furnace, the relative humidity (RH) sharply plummets as the air warms up. The RH can easily drop below 15%, which is drier than the Sahara.

The Consequences

For you and your loved ones, the results are uncomfortable. Dry air increases the likelihood of itchy, dry skin and bloody noses. Viruses thrive in dry air, so this environment makes it easier to contract a cold or the flu.

Your home also experiences negative side effects due to the dry air. Historic homes in Littleton often have hardwood floors. In dry weather, they can separate or crack. Additionally, static electricity can damage your family’s electronics.

The Solution

Fortunately, there are winter dry air solutions in Colorado that can help. Whole-house humidifiers can work with your furnace to keep the RH at 35% to 45%. 

When installing whole-house humidifiers in Littleton, you can choose between a steam or bypass humidifier. A bypass humidifier pulls air from the furnace over a wet pad, increasing the humidity level. With a steam humidifier, water is boiled to produce steam. Both options are incredibly effective, so it just depends on your budget and performance needs.

The “Dirty” Problem: Trapped Pollutants

A major impact on indoor air quality in Denver is the inversion effect. When it comes to Denver’s temperature inversion and air quality, warm layers of air normally trap pollution underneath. Unfortunately, the same thing can happen inside your home.

Pet dander, dust, and cooking grease can get trapped inside your home when your doors and windows have been shut for months. Day-to-day activities, like cleaning your home or installing a carpet, can also release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The standard 1-inch filters might be able to catch dust bunnies, but they aren’t powerful enough to catch microscopic viruses, bacteria, and smoke particles.

The Consequences 

Whether you’re struggling with VOCs in newer homes or are concerned about lingering cottonwood allergens, poor air quality can make your loved ones sick. In fact, there is even a condition called Sick Building Syndrome where occupants end up becoming ill from the building’s mold, chemical fumes, or other contaminants. Sick Building Syndrome symptoms can include dry eyes, nausea, memory problems, headaches, and heart palpitations. 

The Solution

There are a few methods you can use to deal with indoor air pollution. HVAC air purification systems are incredibly effective at filtering harmful particles out of the air. With media cabinet filters, you can install thick filters that are around 4 to 5 inches in size. These filters have high MERV ratings, so they’re able to remove more pollutants from the air. 

Air scrubbers and UV lights are also an effective option. Through the UV light and air scrubber benefits, you can kill bacteria and neutralize foul odors instead of just trapping them.

The DOs: Active Management

In the South Platte River Valley, it’s essential to invest in IAQ solutions. While air quality is often invisible, it affects the health and well-being of everyone in your home. To support your family’s respiratory health, be proactive about the following tips and best practices.

DO Monitor Humidity Levels

One of the first things you need to do is make sure you have the optimal home humidity level in winter. However, you can’t manage humidity levels if you don’t measure them. 

To see what your humidity levels are at, get a cheap hygrometer. In general, you want to have a humidity level between 30% and 50%. If you start to notice condensation on your windows, you should turn your humidifier down to avoid mold.

DO Run Your Fan (Circulate Mode)

When it comes to indoor air quality in Denver, stagnant air is poor quality air. To avoid stagnation, you should switch your thermostat fan setting from “auto” mode to “on” or “circulate.” This step ensures that air continues flowing through your home whether the heat is on or off. 

DO Vent Your Kitchen

Another hidden danger lurks inside your kitchen. Gas stoves are known to produce nitrogen dioxide (NO2). No matter what type of stove you have, the act of cooking creates particulate matter. 

Because of this, one of the best things you can do to protect your respiratory health is to run your range hood when you’re cooking. This is especially important during holidays and family gatherings when your kitchen is extra busy.

The DON’Ts: Common Mistakes

Whether you’re concerned about removing allergens from your home in the winter or need the best HEPA filtration for furnaces, there are a few common IAQ mistakes you should watch out for.

DON’T Rely on Scented Candles/Plug-ins

When it comes to indoor air quality, you never want to use scented candles or plug-ins to clean the air. They contain VOCs that actually make the air quality worse and can irritate your lungs. 

Instead of burning candles, try installing an air purifier that is designed to remove foul odors. You can also simmer natural spices, such as cloves and cinnamon, on the stove to cleanse the air.

DON’T Neglect the Humidifier Pad

Once you install a humidifier in your home, you can’t just switch it on and forget about it. Denver is known for having hard water, which can cause the water panel to become calcified. No matter what kind of water you have, it can also develop mold.

To avoid these issues, we recommend changing the water panel at least once a year. Since wintertime is when you’ll need it the most, we recommend doing this maintenance task at the start of winter.

DON’T Ignore “Drafty” Rooms

If you have a drafty room, it pays to be proactive. Whenever there is a draft, it means that outdoor allergens, wood smoke, and other pollutants can get inside. To prevent this issue, you need to seal gaps around your windows and doors.

Why Littleton & Denver Homes Struggle Differently

As a homeowner in the Denver and Littleton area, you face a unique climate that impacts the type of HVAC and IAQ systems you need. For instance, the new builds in Highlands Ranch and Green Valley Ranch breathe poorly. They are built airtight for maximum energy efficiency, but this airtight design also means that mechanical ventilation is necessary to exchange stale indoor air for fresh outdoor air.

Besides the new builds, there are also historic homes along Littleton’s Main Street and Washington Park that have special problems. These older homes are dusty and leaky, which means that wildfire smoke and traffic fumes can easily get inside. 

DIY Checks vs. Professional Upgrades

To maintain your home’s air quality, there are a few DIY steps you can take. 

DIY Checks 

As a part of your routine maintenance, it’s essential to change your air filters every 30 to 60 days. If you have pets, they should be groomed regularly to prevent excess dander. Similarly, you should use a HEPA vacuum to promote better indoor air.

There are some studies that show houseplants can improve indoor air quality. While the effect is minimal, there is no harm in adding a few plants to your home’s decor.

Professional Upgrades

For the best air quality, there are a few professional upgrades you can implement. If you suffer from Denver’s dry air, a whole-home steam humidifier is an excellent option. Installing UV lights can also help you eliminate germs, mold, bacteria, and viruses. 

Additionally, we recommend scheduling a thorough duct cleaning. We can remove years of pet hair and construction dust from your ducts. Gaps and pinholes can also be sealed to keep dust from entering your ducts.

Ensure the Well-Being and Comfort of Your Family

Whether you’re trying to reduce static electricity in your home or need help with radon testing in the Denver area, our team is here to help. Comfort isn’t just about the temperature of your home. To ensure your well-being, you also need clean, fresh air. With a few upgrades, you can enjoy better sleep, fewer sick days, and better-preserved woodwork.

Improve your indoor air quality in Denver, Littleton, and the surrounding areas by calling Elkhorn Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical today.