Key Takeaways
- Replace or upgrade your HVAC filters, and set reminders so you never forget to change them on time.
- Add an air scrubber or a properly sized room air purifier to help capture fine particles in the rooms where you and your family spend the most time.
- Schedule a duct cleaning that focuses on the dustiest areas, and seal any obvious leaks so clean air can reach every room in your home.
As temperatures drop here in Virginia, we tend to close our windows and run the heat more often. This can quickly make the air inside your home feel stale, trapping dust, pollen, pet dander, and leftover summer humidity. The good news is that with a few simple steps, like changing your filters, adding an air scrubber, and scheduling a duct cleaning, you can help keep your home’s air fresh and comfortable all winter long.
Why Winter Makes Indoor Air Feel Stale
The heating season means less fresh outdoor air and longer run times. When airflow is restricted by a loaded filter or dusty coil, particles circulate instead of getting trapped, and rooms start to smell “closed.” Tightening up your filter plan and removing built-up dust from key duct sections gives your system a clean slate before the cold settles in.
Start With The Right Filter (And A Simple Schedule)
Your air filter is your first line of defense for cleaner air in your home. We recommend using a quality pleated filter that fits your system without restricting airflow. Check your filter every month at the start of the heating season, and replace it as needed. If you are thinking about upgrading to a higher MERV rating but are not sure if your system can handle it, let us know during your next service visit. We can check your system’s pressure to make sure you get the best filtration without overworking your equipment. The EPA also recommends regular filter changes and controlling sources of dust as the most important steps for improving indoor air quality before adding extra devices.
Add An Air Scrubber Or Room Purifier Where It Counts
Even with a good filter, some areas of your home may need a little extra help. An in-duct air scrubber can boost filtration throughout your whole house, while a portable HEPA purifier (sized by Clean Air Delivery Rate, or CADR) is great for bedrooms and home offices. The EPA notes that properly sized HEPA cleaners can help reduce particles and may even improve allergy or asthma symptoms for many people. If you are not sure whether you need an in-duct system or a room purifier, we can help you choose the best option for your space during a quick pre-winter checkup.
What A Pre-Winter Duct Cleaning Should Cover
Duct cleaning works best when it is focused on the right spots. We recommend targeting high-dust areas, like returns near your main living spaces and supply trunks with visible debris. After that, seal up any accessible leaks so you are not pulling musty attic or crawlspace air into your system. When you pair this with a new filter and a coil inspection, you will notice less dust on your surfaces and cleaner vents once the heater is running every day.
Quick Habits That Support Cleaner Winter Air
A few simple habits can help your upgrades work even better and keep your air cleaner all winter long.
- Run your bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans long enough after showers and cooking to clear out extra moisture.
- Make sure your supply registers and return grilles are open and not blocked by furniture, so air can move freely through your filter.
- Vacuum with a HEPA-filtered machine, and remember to change its bag or canister filter regularly.
- Wipe down your vent covers and return the grille each time you change your HVAC filter to help prevent dust from recirculating.
Sticking with these habits helps keep particles from building up again between service visits.
How We Helped Jennifer Get Ready for Winter
Here’s how we helped make sure Jennifer was ready for the winter months:
“The Otter Guys were great! I love that they send a photo and some info about the technician so you know who to expect on your doorstep. Devin & Mike did a very thorough job cleaning and inspecting my HVAC system for winter. And they gave a thorough explanation of what they did and additional maintenance I could choose to do (or not!) Very impressed. Thank you!”
Read the full review here.
When To Call The Otter Guys
If rooms feel stale, your vents look dusty, or your allergies flare up when the heat comes on, we can help. Our team can replace or upgrade your filters, size and install the right air scrubber or room purifier, and perform focused duct cleaning and sealing so cleaner air reaches the rooms you use most. For a simple start to heating season, book AC maintenance or let us know what you are noticing on our contact page. We will build a pre-winter indoor air plan that fits your home and keeps you comfortable until spring.
