Why is Air Pollution Worse in Winter? How to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Aliante, NV with Duct Cleaning & More

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Colder temperatures make air quality worse. There are steps you can take throughout the year to maintain the air quality in your home. These steps should be taken more seriously during the winter months, so you and your family can breathe air that is as healthy as possible.

How Does Temperature Affect Air Quality & Why is Pollution Worse in Winter?

Increased pollution. Cold temperatures produce visible exhaust from idling cars. This causes an increase in vehicle emissions. Just like we want our car to be warm, we want our homes to be warm too. Increased use of furnaces, fireplaces and wood-burning stoves will also increase pollution. Increased use in energy production and consumption from factories will also add to air pollution in the winter months.
More time spent indoors. Because the cold winter months keep us in our cozy homes, we are more susceptible to the effects of poor ventilation and increased carbon dioxide levels. Even the appliances that we use to keep our home warm can cause problems. The insulation and seals around windows and doors wok to keep the cold air out but they also prevent the circulation of fresh air. To make sure you have proper ventilation with fresh air in your home in the winter, consider using a whole-home ventilation system and air purifiers.
Temperature inversion. Temperature inversion occurs when cold temperatures trap pollutants near the ground. This occurs when a layer of warmer air sits above the colder air at the surface. It then acts like a cap that traps pollution and allergens. This is the effect had on smoke, smog and carbon diode and is the reason it sticks around for long periods of time. These can stick around until snow, rain or wind comes through and blows it out.

Other Effects & Pollutants on Our Indoor Air Pollution

Mold & mildew. Tightly sealed windows trap steam in bathrooms and kitchens. This leads to moisture buildup and potential mold and mildew. The spores can become airborne and inhaled.
Pet dander. Pet dander is microscopic and one of the most irritating and hard to remove allergens. The concentration of them is higher in the winter months when pets spend more time indoors.
Pollen. Pollen can still cause problems in the winter months because there are winter-blooming plants. Pollen that can then be tracked inside and if temperatures get warm it can cause certain plants to bloom too early.
Dust mites. Concentrations of dust mites increases in the winter months. Again, because we spend more time inside. There are more human skin cells that have been shed and become airborne. If you see dust, you have dust mites.
Biological pollutants. Along with molds, pollen, animal dander and dust mites, there are other germs, viruses and bacteria that can be found in the home.
Various VOCs. Formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are present in beauty products, laundry products, air fresheners and more and the off -gassing of VOCs can also affect the air quality in your home.
Asbestos and lead in the home can also become dangerous pollutants when disturbed and become airborne.

Air Quality Services & More in Summerlin, North LV, Henderson, Enterprise, Paradise, Sunrise Manor, Spring Valley, Aliante, Anthem, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Green Valley Ranch, Inspirada, Mountain’s Edge, Peccole Ranch, Providence, Rhodes Ranch, Seven Hills, Silverado Ranch, The Lakes, Tuscany Village & Las Vegas Nevada

Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning is experienced with HVAC systems in the Vegas Valley. Call us today to find out about all the ways you can improve the air quality in your home.