Air Quality in Our Winter Homes

Hey Everyone,
During the fall and winter months, I remember my mom would move us around the house at different intervals so she could “air out” the house. Basically she opened the windows upstairs, set a timer and then we all went downstairs until the timer went off. She then reversed the process and opened the windows downstairs, set a timer and then we all went upstairs until the timer went off.
I read an article the other day from the staff at AccuWeather about optimizing our air quality inside our homes during the cold winter months. Here are a few ideas:
Crack a window – helps get the air out that is circulating in your house, as well as any pollutants. You also get the bonus that fresh air just feels good. It can boost your mood and make your living space feel less stuffy.
House plants – Growing indoor house plants is a great way to purify the air. Houseplants are the best solution to getting more oxygen circulating in your home. Some of the top plants include; peace lily, English Ivy, chrysanthemum, gerbera daisy and bamboo palm.
Essential Oil Diffusers – Some essential oils are great for cleaning the home air. Oils from eucalyptus, rosemary, and clove help to reduce bacteria and dust mites. Peppermint, chamomile, lavender, basil and tea tree oils are also great for helping to purifying the air.
Air purifiers – Purchasing an air purifier for your home might be the most effective way to get impurities out of your home during the long winter months.
Cooking with high heat oils – If you cook at home often, the air will be smokier. Swap out lower smoke point oils for higher ones. Low smoke point oils like olive oil burn faster. High smoke point oils like sunflower, safflower, peanut, avocado or corn burn slower. Reducing the burning will prevent less smoke from filling the air and reduce impurities. Use the fan on your stove as well as crack a kitchen window to allow any smoke out.
Use a humidifier – Once the furnace goes on for the winter months, the air becomes too dry. Dry air results in some respiratory issues, dry skin, dry mouth, dry eyes. Using a humidifier will help alleviate the negative effects on your health. The bonus on this one is that moisturized air also helps transfer heat. You will actually stay warmer if there is moisture in the air.
Change your furnace filters – If you have a forced air heating system, then change your filters regularly. Replacing the filters regularly will prevent added pollutants such as dust, mites and bacteria from circulating in your house.
Hope you find some of these ideas helpful as the season and community time changes.
Here’s to clean air !!!! Love you all- Carrie