February is the month of romance—but it’s also peak cold and flu season. While you’re focused on cozy nights in and keeping your family warm, your home’s indoor air quality may need as much attention as your heating system. When windows stay shut and your HVAC system runs constantly, airborne particles such as dust, allergens, and viruses can circulate throughout your home.
The good news? With a few smart HVAC improvements, you can create a cleaner, healthier indoor environment for everyone under your roof.
Upgrade Your Air Filter
Your HVAC filter is your first line of defense against airborne contaminants. Standard 1-inch filters are designed primarily to protect your equipment—not necessarily improve air quality. Upgrading to a high-efficiency filter with a higher MERV rating (typically MERV 11–13 for residential systems) can significantly reduce airborne particles such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and even some bacteria and virus-carrying droplets.
Before upgrading, consult with an HVAC professional to ensure your system can handle the increased airflow resistance of a higher-rated filter.
Consider a Whole-Home Air Purifier
Portable air purifiers are helpful in individual rooms, but a whole-home air purification system works directly with your HVAC system to treat the air throughout your entire house. Options include media air cleaners, electronic air cleaners, and UV light purifiers.
UV lights installed within the HVAC system can help neutralize certain airborne pathogens and prevent microbial growth on coils and other internal components. Some air cleaners offer enhanced filtration without significantly restricting airflow when properly sized.
Add or Upgrade Humidity Control
Dry winter air doesn’t just cause static shock and dry skin—it can also increase susceptibility to respiratory infections. Research shows that maintaining indoor humidity between 40% and 50% may help reduce the survival rate of certain viruses in the air.
A whole-home humidifier integrated with your HVAC system can maintain consistent moisture levels throughout your home, improving comfort and potentially supporting respiratory health. Balanced humidity also protects wood floors, furniture, and even musical instruments from winter damage.
Schedule Professional Duct Cleaning (If Needed)
Over time, dust and debris can accumulate in your ductwork. If you’ve recently completed renovations, noticed excessive dust, or experienced water intrusion, a professional duct inspection may be worthwhile. While routine duct cleaning isn’t always necessary, addressing contaminated or leaky ductwork can improve airflow and reduce circulating pollutants.
Improve Ventilation
In winter, homes are tightly sealed to conserve heat. While this improves energy efficiency, it can trap stale air inside. Mechanical ventilation systems such as Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) or Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) introduce fresh outdoor air while minimizing heat loss.
These systems help dilute indoor pollutants without dramatically increasing your heating costs—a win-win for comfort and health.
Don’t Skip Routine Maintenance
A neglected HVAC system can circulate more than warm air—it can spread dust, mold spores, and other contaminants. Seasonal maintenance ensures your system is clean, operating efficiently, and properly filtering the air. It also reduces the risk of mid-winter breakdowns when you need heat the most.
This February, show your home a little love by scheduling an appointment with Integrity Comfort Systems. We keep you cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s not.
