How Blizzards Affect Indoor Air Quality
Blizzards can snow you and your family in, forcing them to breathe stuffy and polluted air until the snow finally melts. Blackouts or other utility mishaps can also threaten your HVAC's operation during a storm. Use these handy tips for maintaining proper air ventilation during winter storms.
Double-Check Your HVAC's Condition
Your HVAC provides filtered air ventilation, so it must be in tip-top condition. Inspections and maintenance work can take a while, so plan ahead and prepare your HVAC check-up before the winter. It's better to get it done ahead of time than to get stuck without heat in the middle of winter.
Make sure no furniture or appliances are blocking any vent openings. Not only will this allow for better air circulation, but removing obstructions will help prevent your HVAC from malfunctioning.
Inspect your HVAC's filters and replace them if necessary. Old filters make it easier for your HVAC system to get clogged, causing your appliance to overwork itself. This could make your HVAC malfunction and use more energy, which will also shorten its lifespan.
When the winter season is starting, close all openings that lead to the outdoors. This way, snow won't get inside your HVAC system. If you don't, the melted snow can cause condensation that circulates uncomfortably humid air in your home. Snow can freeze in your vents, causing obstructions that hinder your HVAC's functionality. Mildew can also form from melted snow's excessive moisture, threatening the health of everyone in your home.
To ensure you're prepared, hire an HVAC technician. They'll perform a thorough inspection and diagnosis of your system and recommend necessary repairs/replacements so that your home will be able to handle the threats to indoor air quality that blizzards pose.
Use a Dehumidifier
Excessive humidity can lead to muggy air that's uncomfortable to breathe. It can also cause mold and mildew, which can result in airborne illnesses. Humid air may also put your family at increased risk of contact with other allergens such as dust mites, animal dander and pollen. This can affect anyone's health, particularly those with serious respiratory or medical conditions.
For that reason, you'll want to dehumidifier for your house. Lower moisture levels will make the air easier to breathe and help keep your home free of airborne illnesses caused by mildew.
The cold might make the air inside your home too dry instead of humid. If so, buy a humidifier to ensure adequate moisture level in the air.
Consider a Backup Generator
Blizzards can last for hours or even days. They also increase the likelihood of blackouts, cutting off power from all of your appliances, including your HVAC system. It can be difficult for utility companies to service homes during a blizzard. Even after the blizzard ends, they might not be able to work on your home right away, especially if you're snowed in.
So buy a backup generator, which will keep the air in your home warm and well-circulated. You'll be able to keep your home's air ventilation in perfect shape even during a blackout.
Never use a fuel-powered generator indoors. See our Portable Generator Buying Guide for more safety and purchase information.
Clear the Air During a Blizzard
Proper blizzard preparation will maintain or improve your home's indoor air quality. Use the tips above and your family won't have to contend with stuffy, muggy air that could threaten their health. Of course, it's also important to prepare for a snowstorm in other ways — such as putting together a first aid kit, buying a good snow shovel and stocking up on heated blankets.