The holidays bring warm memories, decorated homes, and time spent with the people you love. But they also bring something else—more people, more activity, more cooking, more candles, pets indoors, and more strain on your home’s HVAC system. All of this can impact your indoor air quality, which affects how comfortable and healthy your home feels for your family and guests. Here are some indoor air quality tips to help you keep things fresh and breathable this season.
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters During the Holidays
During the winter months, homes stay tightly sealed to keep warm air in. While this helps with heating, it also traps dust, allergens, odors, and airborne particles inside. When guests arrive, the amount of air circulating in your home increases—and so does the amount of contaminants.
Poor indoor air quality can lead to:
• Sneezing, coughing, and allergy flare-ups
• Headaches or fatigue caused by poor ventilation
• Lingering cooking odors
• Increased respiratory irritation for sensitive guests
• A home that feels stuffy or stale
1. Get Your Air Ducts Cleaned Before Guests Arrive
If it has been more than 3–5 years since your last duct cleaning—or if you’ve recently completed a renovation, own pets, or notice dust buildup—it’s the perfect time to schedule a professional cleaning. Clean ducts mean:
- Fresher, cleaner air
- Less dust circulating through the home
- Improved airflow to keep rooms comfortable
- Reduced odors from the HVAC system
2. Check and Replace Your Air Filters
A clogged or dirty air filter significantly reduces indoor air quality. Replacing your filter before the holidays helps your heating system run more efficiently and reduces dust and allergens in the air.
3. Watch Out for Odors from Heating Systems
Burning smells, musty odors, or dusty air when the heat turns on are signs that your HVAC system needs attention. Debris on the heat exchanger, dirty ducts, or a clogged blower motor can all create unpleasant odors that guests may notice.
4. Improve Ventilation During Cooking and Gatherings
Holiday meals can produce smoke, grease particles, and strong odors. To keep your indoor air fresh:
- Use kitchen exhaust fans
- Crack a window slightly during heavy cooking
- Avoid burning too many scented candles, which release VOCs
5. Consider an Indoor Air Purification System
Air purifiers or whole-home purification systems can help capture allergens, pet dander, bacteria, and odors. These systems work alongside duct cleaning to maximize indoor air quality and comfort.
Give Your Guests the Gift of Clean, Healthy Air
Hosting for the holidays shouldn’t come with stuffy rooms, dust, or unpleasant odors. With a clean HVAC system and improved indoor air quality, your home will feel fresher, healthier, and more welcoming for everyone who walks through your door. Keep these indoor air quality tips in mind as you prepare for the season.
Advanced Air Duct Cleaning is here to help you prepare your home for the holiday season with professional duct cleaning, dryer vent services, and indoor air quality solutions. Contact us to schedule your pre-holiday cleaning today!