According to recent research, poor indoor air quality can significantly impact human health, especially for the elderly. Unhealthy indoor air quality can introduce various health issues, from headaches and irritation of the ears, nose, and throat to respiratory diseases. Family members and caregivers should prioritize measures to keep indoor air quality within a senior's home as clean and healthy as possible.
In this blog, we will discuss why indoor air quality gets worse in winter and how we can improve indoor air quality without sacrificing warmth and comfort.
Why Does Indoor Air Quality Get Worse In Winter?
Better air quality has everything to do with filtering indoor air, introducing fresh air, and managing humidity. However, during the colder months, people tend to seal up their homes and keep the heating system running for extended periods of time. This results in less ventilation in living spaces which impacts the quality of the air one breathes. Other common factors that can affect air quality during winter include:
- Smoke: Smoke from cigarettes and other sources, like wood-burning stoves and fireplaces, may also reduce indoor air quality.
- Mold spores: During the cold months, there is a higher risk of mold spores growing in home spaces. Mold causes respiratory problems, such as asthma and allergies, and skin problems, such as rashes and hives.
5 Ways To Keep Indoor Air Quality Consistent During Winter
Keep The House Clean
One of the cost-effective ways to increase the air quality in a senior loved one's home is to keep all areas as clean and hygienic as possible. Dusting and vacuuming spaces regularly can reduce airborne pollutants such as mold, pollen, and dust mites. It is advisable to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to reduce the risk of blowing pollutants into spaces.
Install an Air Purifier
A quality air purifier can remove pollutants, irritants, and allergens from the air. Since the elderly are likely to spend more time indoors in winter, installing one can effectively keep indoor air fresh. Caregivers should choose a top-notch air purifier with in-built sensors that detect pollutants in home environments. This way, it will only work when needed, thus conserving energy use.
Use a Humidifier
Buying a humidifier can be a worthy investment in the cold season. Poor air quality is not always about pollutants, allergens, and irritants. During winter, the air in living spaces gets too dry to trigger respiratory issues such as dry skin, itchy throat, and eyes. A humidifier in the elderly loved one's home can effectively raise the air's moisture level. Moisturized air also transfers heat more effectively, which can help increase warmth without relying too much on the furnace.
Pay Attention to Filters
An HVAC system is the first line of defense against most indoor air pollutants. However, for the system to deliver optimal results, it must be adequately maintained, especially during winter when the heating unit is frequently running. Poorly maintained filters struggle to do their job resulting in weak air circulation that kicks particles of dust and other pollutants around home spaces. An expert should check the filters regularly and change them if need be.
Maintain a Healthy Air Environment during winter
Poway winters can be brutal on indoor air quality in a seniors’ home. The cold weather and the lack of optimal ventilation are fertile grounds for air pollutants. Lack of humidity can also make the indoor air drier, worsening risks for respiratory illnesses that could harm seniors.
Family members and primary caregivers in Poway should maintain the air quality that seniors breathe throughout the cold season.
This is where Senior Helpers step in to help seniors in keeping their indoor air quality consistent during winter. Senior Helpers is Poway's premier provider of custom and responsive in-home senior care. They provide safe, caring, and compassionate environments for all their senior clients. Contact them today to schedule an in-home assessment.