Understanding Indoor Air Quality During Winter

As winter tightens its grip, homeowners often seal their residences to keep the cold at bay. While this practice conserves heat, it can inadvertently compromise indoor air quality, leading to discomfort and potential health issues. Understanding the challenges and implementing effective strategies can ensure your home's air remains fresh and healthy throughout the colder months.

Understanding the Winter Air Quality Challenge

During winter, increased use of heating systems and reduced ventilation can lead to a buildup of indoor pollutants. Common culprits include dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from household products. Exposure to these pollutants may cause symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and respiratory issues, often referred to as "sick building syndrome."

Effective Strategies to Enhance Indoor Air Quality

1. Regular Ventilation: Even in cold weather, it's essential to allow fresh air to circulate. Briefly opening windows or doors can help disperse indoor pollutants. Utilizing exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms further aids in expelling contaminants. 

2. Maintain Optimal Humidity Levels: Aim to keep indoor humidity around 50%. Excess moisture fosters mold growth, while overly dry air can irritate respiratory passages. Using humidifiers or dehumidifiers as needed can help maintain this balance.

3. Regular HVAC Maintenance: Ensure your heating system is serviced annually. Clean or replace filters every 1-3 months to prevent dust and allergen accumulation. Consider having your air ducts inspected and cleaned to remove any built-up debris that could circulate throughout your home.

4. Consider Using Air Purifiers: Air purifiers can be a powerful tool in maintaining indoor air quality during winter. Look for models equipped with HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, which are designed to capture small particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander. Many purifiers also include activated carbon filters to remove odors and VOCs from the air. Placing a purifier in frequently used spaces, like the living room or bedroom, can significantly reduce airborne pollutants and help create a healthier home environment.

5. Incorporate Indoor Plants: Certain houseplants can naturally purify indoor air by absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen. Plants like sansevieria (snake plant) are known for their air-cleaning properties and can be a beneficial addition to your home with very low maintenance needs.

6. Use Natural Cleaning Products: Traditional cleaning agents can emit VOCs, degrading air quality. Opt for natural or eco-friendly cleaners to minimize chemical exposure. Additionally, store chemicals safely and ensure proper ventilation when using them.

7. Monitor for Radon and Carbon Monoxide: Install detectors to monitor levels of these colorless, odorless gases. Regularly test and maintain these devices to ensure they function correctly, safeguarding your household from potential hazards.

8. Keep Your Home Clean: Regular dusting and vacuuming can significantly reduce indoor pollutants. Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter ensures that dust and allergens are effectively captured and not redistributed into the air.

9. Be Cautious with Scented Products: Air fresheners and scented candles can emit VOCs. Opt for unscented or naturally scented alternatives, and ensure proper ventilation when using them.

By implementing these strategies, you can maintain a healthy indoor environment during the winter months, ensuring that your home remains comfortable and safe.

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Smart Tips to Tackle Skyrocketing Winter Energy Bills

The holiday season brings joy, festive lights, and cozy nights, but it also means higher energy bills. With electric companies predicting an average seven percent increase for Connecticut households starting in January, now is the perfect time to get ahead of the curve and cut those costs.

One often-overlooked resource is an Energize Connecticut home energy audit. For a small fee, a consultant will assess your home’s energy efficiency—checking everything from your furnace and water heater to air ducts, windows, and doors. They’ll not only identify problem areas but also offer rebates for upgrades and repairs. To get started, visit the EnergizeCT website and select your energy provider.

While scheduling an audit is a great first step, there are plenty of DIY ways to prep your home for winter and minimize energy loss. Start by targeting these common culprits:

1. Windows

Windows are one of the biggest sources of heat loss. Try these tricks to stay warm and save:

• Hang heavy curtains or drapes to trap heat, especially on large glass doors or single-pane windows.

• Seal gaps with silicone caulk, especially around wooden frames that warp with age.

• Add shrink film to single-pane windows. It’s easy to apply, affordable, and available at home supply stores.

2. Doors

Doors see frequent use and can let in cold drafts. To fix this:

• Inspect your door sweep and replace it if the bristles are loose or damaged.

• Use a door snake or DIY one with old socks and rice, beans, or newspaper. These simple barriers make a big difference.

3. Attic Hatch

An attic hatch can act like a chimney, letting warm air escape.

• Install an insulated box over the hatch to keep heat where it belongs—inside your home. You’ll still have full access for holiday decor and storage items, but your home will stay warmer.

4. Water Heater

Your water heater works harder in winter, but insulation can lighten the load:

• Wrap the tank in a fiberglass blanket (available at hardware stores). Use foil tape but avoid covering any valves or pipes.

• Insulate the pipes with foam or fiberglass wrap to retain heat and reduce energy loss.

5. Insulation

Many homes lack adequate insulation, leading to sky-high heating costs.

• Proper insulation in walls and attics can reduce heating and cooling costs by 16–50%, according to the EPA.

• Investing in insulation isn’t just great for energy savings—it’s also a top-rated upgrade for boosting resale value.

By taking these steps, you can keep your home cozy without breaking the bank. Rising energy costs are no joke, but a little winterproofing can go a long way toward keeping your budget on track this season.

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Sealing Your Attic Hatchway

Many homeowners are unaware that the pull-down attic stairway is one of the primary sources of heat loss in their homes. Typically, the attic is a space we access infrequently—perhaps to retrieve holiday decorations or suitcases for a trip. Because of this, it’s easy to overlook how much temperature fluctuation occurs in the attic and just how much air escapes through this often-neglected area.

I can’t count the number of times I’ve entered an attic to find frozen water droplets clinging to the tips of roofing nails. This happens because homes often lack sufficient insulation and ventilation, causing the attic to become blistering hot in summer and freezing cold in winter. The resulting condensation can lead to significant problems like wood rot and mold growth, threatening the integrity of your home.

Heat loss, of course, is another major concern. We all know that warm air rises, and in many Connecticut homes that are underinsulated, a lot of that warmth escapes right through the attic hatch. While most homeowners apply draft strips and sealants to doors and windows, the attic entryway is frequently overlooked—even though it’s one of the most critical points for energy efficiency. The same applies to whole-house fans, which are another common area of heat loss.

One effective solution we often recommend is installing an insulated box over the attic entry or built-in house fan. These boxes are constructed from heavy-duty insulation and sealed with expanding foam. When the stairs are folded up into the attic, the box creates a secure barrier, preventing heat loss while still allowing easy access to the space. This straightforward upgrade can drastically reduce heat transfer, leading to a more comfortable and energy-efficient home.

For anyone looking to improve their home’s comfort and efficiency, I always suggest getting insulation and ventilation checked. Proper insulation is an affordable, impactful home improvement, and adding an insulated box over the attic hatch is an excellent way to complement this work for just a few hundred dollars. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a family-owned home improvement business based in Bristol since 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with “Ask the Pro” in the subject line. Questions may be featured in future publications. To reach Bob for your home improvement needs, call (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. This advice is for informational purposes only.