Homeowners in Southern Ontario are all-too familiar with the dryness of our winters. While it can be nice to get a break from the heat and humidity of the summer, dry air can impact your health.

While dry air during the winter is a fact of life, there are a few things you can do to help improve the air in your home:

1. Vacuum & Clean Regularly

Many of us think of allergy season starts in the spring, but often, the air in our homes over the winter can make us feel sick as dry air can lead to more dust and allergens. Be sure to vacuum your carpets regularly — more often than you do other times of the year — and dust the surfaces in your home. You could also consider cutting back on using chemical cleaners during the winter, as the toxins will stick around the air in your home with the windows shut.

2. Air Dry Your Dishes

If you have a dishwasher, letting your dishes air dry after the rinse cycle is complete is an easy way to release some moisture into your home’s air. Open the dishwasher when the rinse cycle is finished and pull the racks out so they’re exposed to the air.

3. Cook With The Stove, Not The Oven

While cooking meals in your oven over the winter can make your home feel cozy and warm, it can actually contribute to dry air. Instead, consider using your stovetop more often. Using your stovetop, whether you’re making tea or pasta, will release steam and moisture into the air.

4. Fill Your Home With Plants

The positive effects of houseplants are seemingly endless, especially during the winter. Not only can a bit of greenery help improve your mood during the dark winter days, but certain houseplants can actually improve your home’s air quality and act as a natural air purifier.

5. Use A Humidifier

If the air in your home is so dry that small tricks don’t make a difference, try using a humidifier to help you feel more comfortable. The furnace in your home can contribute to creating dry air as dry air tends to feel cooler — the cooler the air feels, the more you will turn up the heat. Installing a whole-home humidifier can help your furnace do its job and save you money.

At Bryan’s Fuel, we’re the home comfort experts. From furnace installation and maintenance to indoor air quality solutions, contact us today to find out how we can help.