How to improve the indoor climate in winter

Why indoor air quality is often worse in winter

In winter, indoor air quality can suffer due to external conditions and the habits we adopt for colder weather. These are the most common reasons why indoor air quality deteriorates in winter:

• More time indoors: In cold weather, we are more likely to spend more time indoors, which means the indoor air quality can deteriorate more quickly.
• Reduced fresh air: When it’s cold, windows usually stay closed, which can restrict natural air circulation.
• Dry air: Central heating reduces moisture in the indoor air, which can contribute to dry skin and hair, and a less comfortable environment.
• Increased pollutants and allergens: Dust, pollen, viruses or even volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can accumulate more frequently due to reduced ventilation in winter.

When these factors combine, it’s a good idea to monitor the quality of the indoor climate in winter more closely.

Consequences of reduced indoor air quality in winter

When you spend a few hours in heated rooms, the first signs of poor indoor air in winter might become noticeable. Pay special attention to these signals:

• Dry skin and chapped lips: Low humidity due to central heating can pull moisture from your skin and lips, causing dryness.
• Irritation: Itchy eyes, a dry nose and a tickly throat are signs of reduced indoor air quality in winter. 
• Fatigue and reduced concentration: Stale air can contain less oxygen, which can cause brain fog and make you feel tired.
• Increased dust and odours: If dust seems to settle quickly or odours stay in the room for longer, this can indicate a lack of circulation.
• Electrically charged hair and clothing: Dry air from central heating can cause your hair and fabrics to become statically charged; you might notice light electric shocks when you touch things.
• Poor sleep quality: Reduced indoor air quality can dry out your nasal passages and throat at night, disrupting your sleeping pattern.

If you notice more than one of these symptoms, this might be a sign of a lack of humidity in your space due to dry winter air. Addressing your winter air quality is a great way to feel more comfortable indoors, and it starts with improving your indoor air quality.

How to improve your indoor climate in winter

Dry air in winter not only takes its toll on your skin and respiratory system - it can also disrupt your sleep, reduce concentration, damage your furniture and cause your houseplants to suffer. 

With these tips, you can create the ideal humidity in your home in winter and enjoy a pleasant indoor climate all year round.

Ventilate your house or apartment

Regular ventilation ensures that stale air escapes and fresh oxygen comes in from outside. Here's how to do it right:

• Ventilate your home several times a day by opening the windows wide for a few minutes, instead of leaving them slightly ajar all day.
• Time your ventilation periods for the morning, soon after you wake up, or when you’re cooking or showering, as this is when the humidity levels tend to rise.
• Cross-ventilate by opening windows on opposite sides of your space for a particularly fast air exchange.
  
  

Shock ventilation can even save heating costs in winter, because the rapid exchange of air helps you avoid walls and furniture from cooling down considerably, which would be more likely to happen with windows ajar. This can mean the heat is better stored inside your home.

Maintain higher humidity in your home

In winter, the cold outside air doesn’t contain much moisture, which is why you need to pay more attention to creating a balanced indoor humidity. The level of humidity in your indoor climate should ideally be between 40 and 60%. 

Make sure that the humidity in your home doesn’t get too high in winter, as this can pose a risk of mould. A hygrometer can help you monitor humidity levels.

• Houseplants such as ferns, lilies and areca palm can naturally increase humidity.
• Place a bowl of water on the radiator. Evaporating water increases the humidity in your home. Add a drop of essential oil to create a pleasant scent.
• Hang clean laundry in the room you want to humidify, to increase the moisture in the air as the water evaporates off your clothes.
• Keep an eye on the temperature. Maintaining a constant temperature of 20-21°C prevents too much or too little humidity and can help you save energy costs.

Improve indoor air in winter with an air treatment solution

Technical solutions can also help improve indoor air quality. The Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool™ PH04 Formaldehyde Purifying humidifying fan helps maintain a cleaner, more comfortable environment year-round. Dyson Air Multiplier™ technology circulates purified and humidified air throughout the room1 and cools you in warmer weather. You can control and monitor your air quality from anywhere using the MyDyson™ app.

Which air purifier do I need for my home?

Take the test and find the right air purifier for your home when you take our quiz to help you choose.