Winter in Winnipeg means that you need to be sealed up tight. Thick windows protect from cold winds and help to create that cozy indoor time. But it also means that indoor air can get dirtier faster than you think. At Winnipeg Duct Cleaning, we see first-hand how everyday habits during winter increase dust, allergens, and indoor air pollutants. Here are the top five habits that serve to dirty your air, and what you can do about them.
1. Cooking Without Venting Properly
Spices, oils, frying food can all send particles and moisture into the air. If your range hood or exhaust fan isn’t venting outdoors, or if filters are clogged, those particles will stay circulating. Over time, cooking residue contributes to film on vents, sticky duct surfaces, and lingering odors that can serve to reduce air quality.
Properly used hoods and ensuring your ventilation is functioning are key. Pair that with regular duct cleaning, especially in homes where heavy cooking is common, to keep cooking contaminants from accumulating.
2. Burning Candles, Wood, or Using Fireplaces Frequently
We love the warm glow of candlelight or a fireplace in winter, but burning anything indoors is sure to add soot, smoke, and microscopic particulates to your air. These pollutants can travel through your home’s HVAC systems and settle in the ductwork. If your ducts are dirty already, they may exacerbate the issue, trapping and re-spreading these fine particles every time your heating kicks on.
Frequent burning indoors increases dust and debris accumulation in duct systems, one of the common contaminants we at Winnipeg Duct Cleaning can handle.
3. Having Pets Indoors All Winter
When pets stay indoors more than usual, shedding increases. Fur, dander, and pet-carried dirt can all make their way into carpets, upholstery, and finally, into the ductwork. When your heating & ventilation system runs, these particles circulate, accelerating buildup inside vents and decreasing air quality. These can build odors too, creating an uncomfortable environment.
A quick vent cleaning can get rid of all of this, increasing the airflow in your home and ensuring that whatever moves around the ducts is fresh and easily breathable.
4. Poor Humidity Control and Dry Air
The air in Winnipeg during the winter can be very dry, and indoor heating often makes it dryer. Low humidity allows dust and allergens to stay suspended in the air longer. Additionally, dry air can irritate nasal passages, lungs, and eyes, making you more sensitive to those airborne particles.
When air is dry, particles aren’t weighed down by moisture, which means dust and contaminants travel more easily, aggravating allergies. The longer the season, the more this can stress your HVAC and duct system.
5. Neglecting Maintenance: Dirty Filters, Blocked Vents
Dirty filters and blockage are some of the biggest unseen contributors to poor air quality. If your furnace or return air filters are clogged, or if your vents are obstructed by furniture, curtains, or rugs, this means that the air can’t flow properly. This forces your HVAC system to work harder, spreads dust around, and increases duct contamination. This can also even cause increased energy bills.
Winnipeg Duct Cleaning recommends replacing or checking filters every 1-3 months, depending on household conditions. Homes with pets or allergy sufferers often need more diligent maintenance.
What You Can Do to Clear the Air
- Use range hoods or exhaust fans whenever cooking, and clean their filters.
- Limit burning or ensure proper ventilation when using fireplaces or candles.
- Groom pets regularly, and vacuum to reduce shed and dander.
- Think about using a humidifier in very dry homes to keep air moisture balanced.
- Replace filters regularly and keep vents clear of blockages; consider scheduling duct cleaning every few years or more often if you have any of the above habits.
Final Thoughts
Winter means staying cozy, but that shouldn’t include breathing stale or polluted air. If you notice musty odors, increasing allergies, persistent dust, or reduced airflow, these winter-time habits may be to blame.
We’re here to help. At Winnipeg Duct Cleaning, our professional duct and ventilation cleaning services help remove the buildup, restore air quality, and make your home healthier before winter fully takes hold.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection or cleaning. Let us help you live and breathe easier this coming winter season.
