When it’s cold out, we naturally spend more time indoors, where air pollution levels can be higher than outdoors. And, of course, we shut our windows and doors to keep our homes warm. That allows allergens and lung irritants — like dust, mold, and other small, airborne particles — to build up. These pollutants can bother your lungs and make the symptoms of many lung conditions worse.
But, as I tell my patients, there are things you can do to improve the air you breathe at home during fall and winter. Here are six strategies to start with.
1. Change the filter in your heating system. Regularly replacing the filter in your furnace or HVAC system helps it work more efficiently while improving the air quality in your home. Some experts recommend replacing the filters monthly or when they look dirty. If you rent your home, ask your landlord or property management company about replacing the heating system filter.
2. Use safer appliances. Avoid using natural gas or kerosene heaters and wood-burning stoves and fireplaces. These heat sources can produce dangerous gases, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. Choose an electric space heater instead.
Also, prepare your home for cold-weather power outages. If you lose power, the safest backup power option is to run a generator outdoors.
3. Let some clean air in. Opening your doors and windows for brief periods each day can help increase the amount of fresh air in your home. When cooking, run the fan or range hood. Many of my patients are surprised to learn that cooking on the back burner of their stove can help improve their indoor air. That’s because it may remove more pollutants since it’s usually directly under the hood or fan.
4. Prevent mildew and mold:
- Opening a window in the bathroom or running a fan during and after showering is one of the easiest ways to prevent mold.
- Often, windows will develop condensation when it’s cold outside and warm indoors. If so, wipe it with a dry towel. Try to have any leaky plumbing fixed as soon as possible.
- Keeping your home’s humidity level at around 30% to 50% helps prevent mold and mildew. It also reduces dust mites, which can irritate some people’s lungs. Hardware stores often carry a humidity gauge that you can use to check your home’s humidity level.
5. Reconsider seasonal candles. Sure, it’s gingerbread season for everything from lattes to cupcakes to candles. Just remember that burning candles or incense, or using scented air fresheners, can bother your lungs. For a cleaner-air alternative, consider using battery-powered, flameless candles.
6. Get a jump on spring cleaning. Regular cleanings help keep dust and dander levels to a minimum. I encourage my patients to use a damp mop on hard floors and a vacuum cleaner equipped with a high-efficiency HEPA filter on carpets.
It’s respiratory virus season
The cold weather months aren’t just hard on indoor air quality. It’s also when respiratory infections are more common. And staying healthy is especially important when you have lung disease. Wash your hands often. And get a yearly flu shot. Ask your doctor if you’re up to date on other vaccines, such as pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19.
Get help to breathe your best
Experts at the Temple Lung Center provide comprehensive care to help people manage a wide array of lung conditions. They’re national leaders in lung treatments and innovative therapies. Call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) or request an appointment online.