Winter in Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati means sealed windows, longer nights indoors, and more time breathing the same recycled air. While your furnace keeps you warm, closed-up homes can trap dust, allergens, and even harmful particles—making indoor air quality (IAQ) worse. The good news? A few proactive steps can help you breathe cleaner, healthier air all season long.
Table of Contents
1. Upgrade Your HVAC Filtration
Your furnace filter is your home’s first defense against airborne dust, pollen, and pet dander. During winter, your heating system runs more often—so your filter works harder.
Tips for better filtration:
- Change filters every 1–3 months during heating season.
- Choose high-efficiency filters (MERV 8–13 for most homes) to capture smaller particles.
- If you have allergies, consider a HEPA filter add-on for your HVAC system.
A clogged filter doesn’t just hurt IAQ—it forces your furnace to work harder, raising your energy bills.
2. Schedule Professional Duct Cleaning
Over time, dust, pet hair, and even mold spores can accumulate in your ductwork. Every time your furnace kicks on, it can blow these particles into your living spaces.
Benefits of duct cleaning:
- Removes built-up allergens and debris
- Improves furnace efficiency by allowing better airflow
- Reduces dust settling on furniture and floors
If it’s been more than 5 years since your last duct cleaning—or you’ve recently renovated—this service can make a noticeable difference in your air quality.
3. Balance Humidity Levels with a Whole-Home Humidifier
Winter air in the Ohio Valley is naturally dry, and heated indoor air only makes it worse. Low humidity can lead to:
- Dry skin and irritated sinuses
- Static electricity
- Cracked wood floors and furniture
A whole-home humidifier, installed on your HVAC system, keeps moisture at the ideal 30–50% range, improving comfort and helping airborne particles settle instead of circulating.
4. Reduce Allergens at the Source
Even with good filtration, prevention is key. You can improve IAQ by limiting what gets into the air in the first place:
- Vacuum carpets and rugs weekly with a HEPA vacuum
- Wash bedding in hot water every 1–2 weeks
- Keep pets groomed to reduce dander
- Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to control moisture and prevent mold growth
5. Consider an Air Purification System
For homes with allergy sufferers or respiratory concerns, adding an in-duct UV light or electronic air cleaner can kill bacteria, neutralize viruses, and capture ultra-fine particles your regular filter may miss.
These systems work silently with your furnace, ensuring every heated breath you take this winter is as clean as possible.
Breathe Easier with A+ Services
We’ve helped families in Covington, Florence, Mason, and across Greater Cincinnati create healthier indoor environments for decades. From duct cleaning to humidifier installation and advanced air purification systems, our licensed HVAC experts can customize solutions for your home’s needs.
Don’t wait until dry air and dust take over this winter—call A+ Services today for an indoor air quality assessment and enjoy fresher, cleaner air all season long.