New Year, Fresh Air: How to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Winter

As cooler weather settles into Houston, we tend to spend more time indoors — windows closed, heaters running, and indoor air cycling through the same filters day after day. While this may feel cozy, it’s also the season when indoor air quality tends to dip — sometimes significantly.

Poor air circulation, humidity fluctuations, and everyday household pollutants can all build up in the winter months. If you’ve noticed more sneezing, lingering odors, or a general “stale” feeling in your home, your indoor environment may be trying to tell you something.

Here’s how to freshen your air — and protect your health — as we start the new year.

1. Replace or Upgrade Your HVAC Filters

Your HVAC system has been working hard through the holidays. If your filter hasn’t been changed in the last 60–90 days, now’s the time. A dirty filter allows dust, pet dander, pollen, and even mold spores to circulate more freely.

🛠 Consider upgrading to a HEPA-rated filter if anyone in the home has allergies, asthma, or other respiratory concerns.

2. Keep an Eye on Humidity

Houston’s humidity doesn’t disappear in winter — but indoor heating and reduced ventilation can still throw moisture levels off. Ideal indoor humidity should stay between 40–50%.

• Too dry? You may experience dry skin, sore throats, or static shocks.

• Too moist? That invites mold growth, condensation, and dust mites.

🧯 Use a digital hygrometer to monitor levels, and consider a whole-home dehumidifier if you’ve had moisture issues before.

3. Address Musty Smells Promptly

A persistent musty odor — especially in basements, closets, or bathrooms — is a common winter red flag. It can point to:

• Hidden water damage

• Mold growth in walls or HVAC systems

• Poor ventilation in high-moisture areas

👃 Don’t ignore what your nose is telling you. If the smell doesn’t clear with basic cleaning and airflow, it’s time to investigate further.

4. Ventilate When You Can

On dry, mild days, open the windows for 10–15 minutes to refresh the air inside. You can also use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to keep air moving.

Even in winter, air exchange is essential to reduce the buildup of:

• VOCs (volatile organic compounds)

• Cooking fumes and pet dander

• Bacteria and airborne irritants

5. Schedule an Indoor Air Quality Assessment

If symptoms like congestion, coughing, or headaches seem worse at home — or if you’ve had recent water damage, remodeling, or HVAC issues — an air quality test can provide real answers.

At Houston Enviro Assessments, we use professional-grade equipment to identify:

• Mold spores

• Particulate matter

• Carbon monoxide

• VOC levels

• Moisture hotspots

These insights allow you to make targeted improvements — and breathe easier moving forward.

Final Thoughts

Winter is a time for fresh starts — and that should include the air inside your home. With a few smart updates and a little attention to detail, you can create a cleaner, healthier space for your family this season.

If you suspect air quality issues or want to establish a healthier indoor environment, Houston Enviro Assessments is here to help.

Start 2026 with a breath of fresh air — literally.