When winter arrives in Ohio, many homeowners notice the same thing: the air inside suddenly feels dry, dusty, or even hard to breathe. Between sealed-up windows, constant heating, and low outdoor humidity, indoor air quality can take a noticeable dip. But the good news is that with the right approach, you can make your home feel fresher, healthier, and more comfortable all season long.
Why Winter Air Feels Different
Ohio winters are known for more than just cold temperatures—they also bring a noticeable change in how your home’s air feels. Here’s why:
- Lower humidity: Cold air naturally holds less moisture than warm air. When that cold air gets heated indoors, it becomes extra dry.
- Closed windows: Sealing up your home keeps out the cold, but it also traps dust, pet dander, and airborne particles.
- Heating systems: Furnaces can dry out the air and circulate existing dust and allergens through vents and ducts.
The result? Dry skin, irritated sinuses, static electricity, and an overall “stuffy” atmosphere. If you’ve ever felt like you just can’t get comfortable indoors during winter, these factors are likely why.
How Humidity Affects Indoor Comfort
Humidity plays a major role in how comfortable your home feels and how healthy it is. The ideal indoor humidity level for comfort and health typically falls between 30–50%.
When humidity drops below that range, you might notice:
- Dry or itchy skin and eyes
- Static shocks
- Cracked wooden furniture or floors
- Increased spread of colds and viruses
Simple Ways to Add Moisture Back to the Air
- Use a whole-home humidifier: This system connects directly to your heating system to automatically balance humidity throughout your home.
- Add houseplants: Plants like peace lilies and spider plants naturally release moisture into the air.
- Boil water or cook on the stove: Everyday activities like boiling pasta or soup release small amounts of water vapor into the air.
If your home’s air still feels dry even after trying these tricks, a whole-home humidifier installed by West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. can provide steady comfort without constant maintenance.
Clearing Out Dust and Allergens
Dry air often carries more than just discomfort — it can also stir up dust and allergens that impact indoor air quality. Heating systems can unintentionally circulate these particles throughout your home.
Tips to Reduce Dust Buildup
- Replace furnace filters regularly. Check your air filter every month during the heating season and replace it when it looks dirty.
- Clean vents and ducts. Dust and debris can settle inside ductwork, especially if it hasn’t been cleaned in years.
- Vacuum with a HEPA filter. These filters capture smaller particles like pet dander and pollen that standard vacuums might miss.
- Add an air purifier. Portable or whole-home purifiers can trap airborne particles and reduce allergy symptoms.
A cleaner air system means less dust floating around—and fewer sneezes and sniffles during the colder months.
Improving Ventilation Without Losing Heat
In winter, opening a window to “air out” your home isn’t always practical. Still, your indoor air needs to circulate and refresh to stay healthy.
Consider these ways to improve ventilation:
- Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs): These systems exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while recovering heat from the outgoing air, helping you maintain efficiency.
- Kitchen and bathroom fans: Use them when cooking or showering to remove excess moisture and odors.
- Check for blocked vents: Make sure furniture or rugs aren’t blocking airflow from your vents or registers.
Good ventilation ensures your home doesn’t just stay warm—it stays livable.
Is Your Furnace Contributing to the Problem?
A furnace that hasn’t been cleaned or maintained can worsen winter air problems. Dirty filters, clogged ducts, or buildup inside the unit can cause poor airflow and uneven heating.
Signs Your Furnace Needs Attention:
- Unusual smells when the heat turns on
- Hot and cold spots around your home
- Dust building up quickly after cleaning
- Frequent sneezing or a dry throat indoors
Scheduling a professional inspection can catch these issues early and keep your system running efficiently. West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. offers seasonal furnace maintenance services that help ensure your comfort.
Take Control of Your Indoor Air Quality This Winter
You don’t have to live with dry air, static shocks, or constant dust this season. A few smart upgrades—like humidifiers, better filters, and improved ventilation—can make a big difference in how your home feels and how healthy your air stays.
Whether you’re looking to add a humidifier, upgrade your filtration, or get your furnace checked, the team at West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. is here to help you breathe easier all winter long.
Don’t wait until dry skin, scratchy throats, or allergy symptoms hit! Call (740) 318-2868 or contact us online to schedule your winter indoor air consultation today.