Are you concerned about how safe your air is when the windows are closed tight?
Do you ever notice headaches, allergies, or lingering smells and wonder if they’re more than just seasonal discomforts?
You’re not alone! Many of your neighbors and fellow business owners share your concerns about air quality.Indoor air quality becomes especially critical during the winter months when frigid temperatures drive families and businesses indoors.
Why Indoor Air Quality Drops in Winter
Sealing up homes and offices for warmth traps heat and pollutants like dust, mold, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter inside. Space heaters, fireplaces, and even common winter cleaning products can unintentionally introduce harmful substances into your living or working environment. Pollutants commonly found indoors during winter include:
- Combustion byproducts from fuel-burning space heaters and stoves, like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.
- Wood smoke containing particulate matter, VOCs, and nitrogen oxides from fireplaces and wood stoves.
- VOCs from scented candles, cleaning products, and renovations.
- Excess moisture leading to mold growth, especially as humidity levels fluctuate.
Health Risks of Poor Winter Air Quality
Winter air pollution isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be dangerous. Headaches, respiratory irritation, asthma attacks, skin rashes, and even potentially life-threatening conditions such as carbon monoxide poisoning are all linked to poor indoor air quality, according to the American Lung Association. These risks affect commercial and residential spaces alike, with sensitive groups especially vulnerable.
Practical Steps for Healthier Indoor Air
The good news is there are proven steps you can take to dramatically improve the air quality in your Ann Arbor property this winter:
- Prefer electric heaters over gas or kerosene. If you must use fuel-powered heaters, ensure they’re vented, serviced annually, and monitored with carbon monoxide detectors.
- Use fireplaces and wood stoves only when properly vented and maintained. Run air cleaners when burning and use only seasoned wood.
- Maintain humidity between 30-50% to prevent mold. Address leaks and condensation immediately and use fans or dehumidifiers to circulate air and control moisture.
Ann Arbor’s Local Air Quality Landscape
Ann Arbor has recently expanded its public air quality monitoring network, helping residents and businesses make informed decisions based on real-time data. High summer ozone and wildfire smoke have elevated awareness, but winter risks—primarily from combustion and indoor pollutants—persist. Actionable, community-wide data is now available, making it easier for property owners to proactively protect indoor environments.
Take the Next Step: Safeguard Your Air Quality
Don’t let poor air quality compromise your comfort or health this winter. Reach out to us for expert air quality testing for your Ann Arbor home or business and customized solutions.
If you’re ready to breathe easier and enjoy true winter comfort, schedule an indoor air quality test today with your trusted local experts.