Why Indoor Air Gets Worse in the Winter (and What You Can Do About It)

When winter hits, most of us shut the doors, seal the windows, and cozy up inside. The problem? That same “stay warm” strategy traps more than just heat—it also traps airborne pollutants, allergens, and dust that can make your indoor air up to five times worse than what’s outside.

If you’ve noticed more coughing, dry air, or a lingering “stuffy” feeling in your home this season, your indoor air quality (IAQ) might be to blame. Let’s break down why this happens—and what you can do to fix it.

1. Your Home Is Sealed Up Tight

Modern homes are built to be energy efficient, which is great for your heating bill—but not always for your lungs.

In winter, doors and windows stay shut for months at a time, meaning less fresh air comes in and fewer pollutants get out. Everyday activities like cooking, cleaning, or burning candles can quickly make your air feel heavy and stale.

The Fix:
Crack open a window for 10–15 minutes on mild days to let fresh air circulate. You can also use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to help remove moisture and airborne contaminants.

2. Dirty Air Filters Are Working Against You

Your HVAC system is working overtime in the winter—and if your air filter is dirty, it can’t do its job. A clogged filter not only restricts airflow (making your system work harder) but also circulates dust, pet dander, and allergens back into your home.

The Fix:
Swap your air filters every 1–3 months, depending on your household. If you tend to forget, FilterTime makes it effortless—your filters are delivered automatically, right when you need them.

3. You’re Spending More Time Indoors

Between the holidays, cold weather, and shorter days, we’re all spending a lot more time at home. That means more cooking, cleaning, pet shedding, and general indoor activity—all of which increase indoor air pollution.

The Fix:
Dust with microfiber cloths and keep pet bedding clean. Simple steps like these can make a big difference in air quality when you’re inside 90% of the time.

4. Heating Systems Can Dry Out the Air

Forced-air heating keeps you warm, but it also sucks moisture out of your home. Dry air can irritate your skin, throat, and sinuses, and make airborne particles stay suspended longer—meaning you’re breathing in more of them.

The Fix:
Use a humidifier to add moisture back into the air, especially in bedrooms and living areas. Just be sure to clean it regularly to prevent mold or bacteria buildup.

5. Candles, Fireplaces, and Scents Can Add to the Problem

Few things feel cozier than a candle or fireplace on a cold night, but both can release fine particles and chemicals into your home’s air. Synthetic air fresheners and scented sprays can make it even worse.

The Fix:
Choose soy or beeswax candles with cotton wicks, and skip synthetic fragrances when possible. If you have a fireplace, ensure proper ventilation and get your chimney cleaned regularly.

Breathe Happier This Winter

When it comes to your home’s air quality, prevention is key—and it starts with a clean air filter.

FilterTime delivers high-quality air filters right to your door on your schedule—so you never forget, never run out, and never have to worry about breathing in dirty air again.

Use code SAVE15NOW to get $15 off your first order when you sign up today:
https://www.filtertime.com/air-filters/filter-type

Breathe happy, stay cozy, and enjoy cleaner air all season long.