In winter, temperatures in Alexandria, VA, frequently dip as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit. To save energy and stay warm, families across Northern Virginia keep their homes sealed tight. Unfortunately, efforts to trap warm air in and keep cold drafts out lead to high concentrations of indoor allergens and contaminants. Throughout the cold season, indoor air quality (IAQ) is a special concern. Learn how to improve your IAQ during Virginia’s coldest months.
What Indoor Air Quality Is and Why It Matters
Indoor air quality refers to the quality of air within a closed building. Air quality experts determine IAQ by measuring concentrations of airborne particulates and gaseous chemical contaminants. Homes with high concentrations of either have poor IAQ. IAQ also measures airborne pathogens, including mold, mildew, bacteria, and active viruses.
Having poor IAQ affects the short and long-term health of everyone in the home, including pets. If your IAQ is low, people within your household could suffer from symptoms like:
- Recurring headaches
- Sinus congestion
- Frequent bouts of sneezing, coughing, or wheezing
- Minor skin irritation
- Itchy, watery eyes
According to studies performed by Harvard University, poor IAQ can also impact a person’s mental health. Cognitive decline, depression, anxiety, and sleep troubles are all associated with prolonged exposure to unhealthy indoor air.
How Virginia’s Winter Weather Affects IAQ
With most Virginians closing their windows and doors throughout the winter months, natural air exchange declines. Fresh, outside air rarely flows into homes to replace the stale, contaminant-addled air they contain. When the temperature drops, people also spend more time indoors, and they often engage in activities that further pollute their air. These include:
- Burning candles
- Cooking indoors
- Discharging room-freshening sprays
- Using chemical-laden self-care and cleaning products
All these activities increase indoor levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs aren’t captured and retained by standard HVAC air filters and can circulate throughout homes indefinitely.
Drier Air and More Indoor Activity
Indoor moisture dampens many airborne allergens and weighs them down. As a result, they settle on floors, counters, and other surfaces, rather than floating around and causing irritation. In summer, Virginia has a humid, subtropical climate. But in winter, the cold outdoor air can’t hold much moisture. Seasonally low humidity makes homes drier inside and contributes to poor IAQ.
Having one or more indoor pets can significantly compound winter IAQ concerns. With drier skin and less time outside, pets are more likely to scratch and shed, and pet allergens abound.
Outside Air Inversions
Plummeting temperatures often create outside air inversions. These inversions push pollutants from vehicles and local data center generators close to the ground. When opening their garages and front doors, locals unknowingly let these contaminants in.
Despite having exhaust vents, fuel-burning appliances add gaseous chemical contaminants to the indoor air, too. Along with wood-burning fireplaces, these include oil or gas-fired furnaces, boilers, and water heaters.
Strategies for IAQ Improvement
There are multiple ways to give IAQ a boost in your Alexandria home during winter. You can upgrade your standard HVAC air filter to one with a higher maximum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating. Higher-rated air quality filtration can capture and retain even micro-fine particulates, whereas ultra-small particles pass through standard filter mesh. For a targeted and more all-encompassing solution, you can install an integrated IAQ accessory. IAQ accessories are secondary appliances that HVAC companies install on or in air ducts. They treat conditioned air just before distribution.
Humidity Control
If you have ultra-dry winter air, visible dust floating around your home, and short air filter lifespans, you may need whole-house humidification. An integrated humidifier will add moisture to your air so that floating debris settles and your IAQ improves.
If you have a large household and lots of people taking steamy showers and completing steamy cooking projects, you might need whole-house dehumidification instead. Extracting excess moisture during the busy winter months will enhance your home comfort and decrease your risk of mold.
Dust and Allergen Control
In addition to upgraded filters for allergen removal, there are air purifiers and other electronic air cleaners. These IAQ accessories offer multi-stage air filtration and advanced air cleaning. Most eliminate more than 98% of micro-fine particulates. They also eradicate many dangerous airborne pathogens and deactivate gaseous chemical contaminants.
HVAC Air Duct Cleaning
Thoroughly cleaning your air ducts will eliminate trapped dust, dander, and other debris before it reenters your indoor air. Professional duct cleaning uses mechanical agitation and negative air pressure to leave air distribution systems pristine.
Find the Perfect IAQ Solution for Your Virginia Home
With more than a decade of local experience, Winds of Valley Heating and Cooling proudly serves Alexandria and the surrounding cities. Along with comprehensive HVAC services, we provide advanced IAQ solutions. We offer HVAC air duct cleaning, whole-house air filtration, electric air cleaners, and whole-house humidifiers and dehumidifiers. For help improving your winter IAQ, contact Winds of Valley Heating and Cooling now!
