The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Indoor Air Quality: Keep Your Home Cozy and Healthy

Although the holiday season brings joyful gatherings with loved ones, it also brings challenges for your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ) in Owasso, OK, and the surrounding area. Between extra guests, the heater running, and bustling kitchens, it’s difficult to maintain the fresh, clean air you and your guests deserve. Give the team at Torch Services a call for all your indoor air quality needs, or get our expert tips for a cozy and healthy home this holiday season. 

1. Start with a Fresh Filter

A simple tool, your HVAC’s air filter can differentiate between a healthy home and one filled with dust, allergens, and debris. Swapping out your air filter every one to three months, or before a big event, can make sure you enjoy warm, steady airflow and cleaner air.

2. Invest in Air Purification Solutions

The holidays mean more people, more cooking, and closed windows and doors while allergens and odors circulate. Instead of just dealing with the air quality, consider investing in a basic air purifier that can eliminate airborne particles such as dust, pet dander, and even viruses. Give the team at Torch Service Company a call to talk through advanced Owasso air purification options. We can suggest solutions that complement your HVAC system to maintain a fresh and inviting atmosphere in your home.

3. Keep Your Ducts Clean

Even if your home is clean and tidy, dirty ductwork can circulate contaminants throughout your home. The holidays are a perfect time to schedule professional Owasso duct cleaning to eliminate these issues and keep clean, warm air flowing through your vents. If you recently had them cleaned, try running a damp cloth over your vents to remove any build-up of dust and debris.

4. Ventilate Your Home While You Cook

Whether you’re serving roasted turkey or a freshly baked pie, holiday meals can lead to indoor air pollution. Everything from smoke to grease and cooking odors can linger in the air, especially in a tightly sealed home. Use your kitchen’s exhaust fan or crack a window to allow fresh air to circulate and enhance the indoor air quality of your home.

5. Control Humidity Levels

During the cold winter months, indoor air can get dry and lead to chapped skin, sore throats, and respiratory discomfort. Yet too much humidity can encourage dangerous mold growth. As a rule of thumb, shoot to maintain a humidity level between 30% and 50% for optimal comfort and air quality.

6. Keep Common Allergens at Bay

Are you decorating a real Christmas tree as part of your holiday celebration? You should be aware it can usher in allergens like mold or pollen into your home. All of those holiday decorations stored in dusty attics are also big contributors to poor air quality. Take the time to wipe down your decorations before putting them up and consider rinsing your tree before bringing it indoors. If allergies are a concern, opt for an artificial tree and store it in a sealed container to reduce dust accumulation.

7. Schedule an Indoor Air Quality Inspection

Not sure if your indoor air quality is really up to standard before your holiday guests arrive? Schedule a professional indoor air quality inspection in Owasso, OK, to help identify problem areas and recommend customized solutions for your home. The team at Torch Service Company offers all the inspections you need, along with solutions to tackle hidden issues like mold, high humidity levels, or poor ventilation.

8. Minimize Pet Dander and Odors

Sure, our furry friends are part of the family, but their dander and odors can dramatically impact your home’s indoor air quality. Before your guests arrive, vacuum carpets and furniture, and bathe pets to reduce allergens. It’s also a good idea to add an air purifier that’s specifically designed to tackle pet-related air quality challenges.

9. Seal and Insulate Your Home Properly

Keeping your home cozy is essential, but sealing up every draft can also trap pollutants inside and aggravate air quality. Seal up any cracks, use door and window drafts, and update old insulation to bolster your energy efficiency while ensuring proper ventilation. You’ll maintain a comfortable temperature without compromising air quality.

10. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat is more than convenient—it can also help maintain better air quality. Many smart thermostats will also integrate with air quality monitors to give you real-time updates on your home’s IAQ and help make adjustments as needed.

Call Torch Service Company for a Cozy and Healthy Holiday Season

When you prioritize indoor air quality, you create a holiday atmosphere that’s warm, inviting, and free of irritants. Whether you need a professional duct cleaning, an IAQ inspection, or help selecting the perfect air purifier, Torch Service Company is here to help. Schedule your appointment today for a holiday season with clean, warm air that puts your guests at ease.