Want to improve your home’s air quality? Follow these 6 easy tips
It may be cold outside, but staying warm and cozy this winter will be easier than ever thanks to Canadian Tire. From can’t-miss dessert recipes to tips on creating a more comfortable living space for you and your family, Canadian Tire is making sure you’re ready to Bring On Winter.
Dry skin, sneezing and stuffy air come with the winter territory. Fortunately, there are a myriad of at-home tips, tricks and tools to help keep your home’s air quality in tip-top condition and minimize any seasonal discomfort brought on by dry winter air.
You may not realize it, but your home’s air quality has a huge impact on how comfortable your home is, especially during the winter months. Creating a comfy living space is more than just maxing out on decorative throw pillows, cozy knit blankets and yummy candles—it’s about what you can’t see, too.
From installing humidifiers and air purifiers to doing away with scented candles, follow these six clean-air tips for a more comfortable living space this winter.
1. Vacuum and dust often
A clean home is a happy home! The road to better air starts by making sure you’re cleaning regularly. Consider investing in a high-powered upright vacuum, or a stick vacuum that’s ideal for small spaces, and be sure to pay special attention to your rugs and carpets to get rid of pesky dust mites. But don’t stop there: you should also make sure you dust so all that vacuuming doesn’t go to waste. An extendable Swiffer duster is great for getting at those hard-to-reach places.
2. Invest in a high-quality air purifier
Once you’ve got your cleaning routine down pat, keep clean air circulating by investing in a high-quality air purifier. These nifty tools capture airborne particles, including bacteria and other contaminants, to provide fresh air throughout your home. Plus, they come in a variety of sizes, so you can get a medium-sized purifier for your home office or nursery, a larger tower option for large spaces—even a small one to place on your bedside table.
3. Combat dry air with humidifiers
If you’ve lived in a colder climate for any amount of time, you’ll know that the winter season brings with it incredibly dry air. Which is why it’s important to outfit your home with humidifiers to keep the air inside from getting uncomfortably dry. Pro tip: choosing one with a top-fill water tank makes refilling your humidifier easy and mess-free.
4. Let in some fresh air from time to time
Even in cold weather, be sure to open your windows every now and then to let fresh air in, as this will help improve air flow throughout your home. Plus, there’s nothing quite like a jolt of crisp winter air to help wake you up in the morning—or to inspire you to spend a lazy Sunday curled up on the couch.
5. Have your air ducts cleaned and filters changed
It’s important to get your air ducts professionally cleaned every three to five years in order to reduce the amount of pollutants being released into your home when you turn on your heat. Similarly, make sure you’re checking and changing all the filters in your home regularly. (This also includes your vacuum cleaner, clothes dryer and kitchen vent.)
Need to replace your furnace filter? The 3M Filtrete Allergen Defense Micro Allergen Filter captures allergens like pet dander and household dust to help ensure you and your family are breathing fresh, clean air 24/7.
6. Limit scented items, or buy organic where possible
While seasonal scents are undoubtedly delicious, it’s best to avoid using any strongly scented candles or diffusing oils if you have issues with air quality. If you really can’t part with them, consider buying organic or soy-based products to reduce the amount of allergens in your air. Alternatively, swap out scented candles with a fun seasonally-appropriate LED option, such as this CANVAS LED Birch Candles Set.
