Winter in the Treasure Valley means cold mornings, long nights and homes that stay shut tight. That keeps the heat in. But it also keeps everything else in. Dust, pet dander, cooking smoke and fumes have nowhere to go.
Most of us spend more time indoors in winter. So the air inside our homes matters more than ever. Here is how winter affects your indoor air, what it can mean for your family’s health and what you can do about it.
Why Indoor Air Gets Worse in Winter
Homes Stay Closed Up
In warmer months, open windows let fresh air in. In winter, the same air circulates for weeks. The EPA says levels of some pollutants indoors can be two to five times higher than outdoors. Less fresh air means those pollutants build up.
Valley Inversions Trap Pollution
The Treasure Valley is known for winter inversions. A layer of warm air settles over cold air in the valley and acts like a lid. Smoke and fine particles get trapped near the ground. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality often issues air quality advisories and burn bans during these stretches. Some of that outdoor air still finds its way inside through gaps and leaky ducts.
Furnace Air Is Dry
Our region is dry to begin with. When your furnace runs for hours, indoor humidity can drop well below the healthy range. The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity between 30% and 50%.
Gas Appliances Run More
Furnaces, water heaters, gas ranges and fireplaces all run more in winter. When they work right, they vent safely. When they do not, they can release carbon monoxide.
How Poor Indoor Air Can Affect Your Family
Everyone reacts differently, and some people are more sensitive than others. Children, older adults and people with asthma or allergies often notice changes first.
Allergy and Asthma Flare-Ups
Dust mites, pet dander and mold spores stay trapped inside in winter. For people with allergies or asthma, that can mean more sneezing, coughing and wheezing.
Dry Skin, Eyes and Throat
Very dry air pulls moisture from your skin and the lining of your nose and throat. You may wake up with a sore throat, dry eyes or a bloody nose. Cracked skin and chapped lips are common too.
Colds and Flu Season Discomfort
Winter is cold and flu season. Dry air can make your nose and throat feel raw and leave you less comfortable while you recover. Some research also suggests certain viruses survive longer in very dry air.
Headaches and Fatigue
Stale air, high carbon dioxide and some chemical fumes can leave people feeling tired or foggy. Many people notice they feel better after they leave the house.
Carbon Monoxide Danger
Carbon monoxide has no color or smell. Early symptoms can feel like the flu: headache, dizziness, nausea and fatigue. Every home with gas appliances or an attached garage needs working CO alarms. If an alarm sounds or you suspect CO, get everyone outside and call 911.
If anyone in your home has ongoing symptoms, talk with your doctor. Better air can help, but it does not replace medical care.
Simple Steps to Improve Your Indoor Air This Winter
Change Your Air Filter
Your HVAC filter is your first line of defense. A clogged filter cannot trap new particles and makes your system work harder. Check it every month in winter. Our guide to choosing the right air filter can help you pick one.
Upgrade to Whole-Home Filtration
A higher-efficiency filter or whole-home air purifier traps fine particles from smoke, dust and pollen. It cleans the air in every room your ducts reach. Learn about our air purification and filtration options.
Add Moisture the Right Way
A whole-home humidifier keeps humidity in the healthy range without tanks to refill. It can also make your home feel warmer at a lower thermostat setting. See our humidifiers and dehumidifiers page. If you use a portable unit, read whether you need distilled water in a humidifier.
Do Not Overdo the Humidity
Too much moisture causes window condensation and can lead to mold. Aim for 30% to 50%, and go a bit lower on the coldest nights.
Use Your Exhaust Fans
Run the kitchen fan when you cook and the bathroom fan when you shower. They remove moisture, smoke and odors at the source.
Get Your Furnace Checked
A yearly furnace tune-up includes a safety check of your system. A cracked heat exchanger or a blocked vent can put your family at risk. If your furnace is making odd noises or smells, read our signs your furnace needs repair.
Keep Your Ducts in Good Shape
Leaky return ducts can pull in dust from your attic, crawlspace or garage. Duct sealing helps keep that air out. If your ducts hold heavy dust, pests or mold, duct cleaning can help.
Keep Mold Off Your Coil
Your cooling coil can grow mold during the summer. That mold does not go away in winter. An HVAC UV light helps stop growth on the coil.
Limit Indoor Pollution Sources
Skip burning candles and incense on inversion days. Store paints and cleaners in the garage with lids closed. Keep pets groomed and vacuum often with a HEPA vacuum.
Not Sure Where to Start? Test Your Air
Every home is different. One house may struggle with dry air. Another may have a dust problem from leaky ducts. Indoor air quality testing shows what is in your air, so you only pay for fixes that will help.
Breathe Easier This Winter
Owyhee has helped Treasure Valley families stay comfortable since 1946. Our team serves Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell and Eagle. We offer upfront pricing with no hidden fees and financing with approved credit.
Call (208) 315-6446 to schedule an air quality visit or a furnace tune-up.
