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Making Your Home Healthier This Winter

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  Published in House and Home on Friday, December 12th 2025 at 7:41 GMT by The Repository

Making Your Home Healthier This Winter: A 500‑Word Summary of the Canton Repository’s “5 Ways to Make Your Home More Healthy This Winter”

The Canton Repository recently published an insightful guide for homeowners eager to turn their houses into winter‑proof havens that support both physical and mental well‑being. Titled “5 Ways to Make Your Home More Healthy This Winter,” the article condenses research, expert recommendations, and everyday hacks into five actionable steps. Below is a thorough, 500‑plus‑word summary of each tip, along with the contextual links and resources the piece cites.

1. Control Indoor Humidity Levels

The article opens by underscoring the pivotal role that humidity plays in indoor health. When winter heating systems drive moisture out of the air, humidity can dip below the recommended 30–50 % range. Low humidity can dry out nasal passages, aggravate asthma, and create a breeding ground for dust mites. The piece recommends:

• Using a hygrometer: Place a digital humidity monitor in the living room or bedroom to keep tabs on fluctuations.
• Installing a humidifier: Even a small, energy‑efficient model can maintain comfortable moisture levels.
• Ventilation: Keep kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans running after cooking or showering to remove excess moisture.

The article links to the American Lung Association’s page on indoor humidity, which explains how proper moisture levels can reduce respiratory irritants. By maintaining balanced humidity, homeowners can curb mold growth and lower allergy triggers.

2. Upgrade Your Air Filtration System

Winter often brings increased indoor time and less outdoor airflow, amplifying the concentration of indoor pollutants. The repository’s guide stresses upgrading air filters and adding purification devices:

• Replace standard filters: Transition from MERV 8 to MERV 13 filters if the HVAC system can support them; these catch smaller particulates such as pollen, pet dander, and cigarette smoke.
• Add a HEPA air purifier: A portable HEPA unit can be placed near sleeping or living areas to mop up airborne allergens.
• Regular maintenance: Change filters every 60–90 days (or per manufacturer guidance), especially if you have pets or a smoker in the house.

The article pulls in CDC data on indoor air quality and links to a Home Depot guide that details how to choose the right filter for a given HVAC unit. By proactively filtering the air, homeowners reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses that often spike during cold months.

3. Optimize Heating Efficiency and Ventilation

Heating systems are the heart of winter comfort, but they can also become sources of indoor pollution if poorly maintained. The guide’s third recommendation includes:

• Conduct a duct cleaning: Dust and debris in ducts can circulate throughout the house, contributing to poor air quality.
• Check for leaks: Seal gaps around windows and doors to avoid drafts that force the furnace to work harder.
• Use a programmable thermostat: Set temperatures lower when no one is home, but ensure consistent circulation to avoid localized cold spots.
• Ventilate periodically: Open windows for 5–10 minutes, even during the coldest days, to bring in fresh air without letting in snow.

A linked resource to the National Institute of Standards and Technology explains how modern furnaces and heat pumps can be fine‑tuned for maximum efficiency, cutting both energy bills and indoor pollutant levels.

4. Introduce Indoor Plants and Natural Light

The article devotes a heartening section to the quiet benefits of greenery and light. Indoor plants are not only decorative; they can actively improve air quality:

• Air‑cleaning species: Spider plants, snake plants, and peace lilies absorb formaldehyde, benzene, and other toxins.
• Placement: Position plants in corners where sunlight is scarce to help them thrive.
• Maintenance: Water them sparingly to avoid excess moisture that can encourage mold.

In tandem with plants, the guide suggests maximizing natural light:

• Use sheer curtains: These allow daylight in while diffusing harsh glare.
• Reflective surfaces: Mirrors can bounce light deeper into rooms, reducing reliance on artificial lighting.
• Light‑boosting bulbs: When daylight is insufficient, LED bulbs that mimic daylight can reduce eye strain and boost mood.

The repository cites a study from the University of Washington linking daylight exposure to improved sleep cycles, especially crucial when daylight hours are limited.

5. Encourage Physical Activity and Mindful Routine

Finally, the piece ties health to lifestyle, noting that indoor time can be a double‑edged sword. To combat the sedentary nature of winter, the article recommends:

• Home workouts: A short daily routine—yoga, resistance bands, or even dancing—can keep circulation active.
• Set a “sunrise” alarm: Open curtains early to wake up to natural light, which helps regulate circadian rhythms.
• Routine check‑ins: Take a few minutes each day to assess your home’s temperature, humidity, and air quality using the tools mentioned earlier.

The guide links to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for a printable winter health checklist, enabling readers to keep track of their progress.

Wrapping It Up

In summary, the Canton Repository’s article offers a comprehensive, practical roadmap for turning your home into a winter‑time sanctuary that nurtures respiratory health, energy efficiency, and overall well‑being. By controlling humidity, upgrading filtration, optimizing heating, embracing natural light and greenery, and integrating mindful physical activity, homeowners can dramatically improve indoor living conditions—especially during the cold, dry months that often exacerbate allergies, asthma, and the common cold.

For readers seeking deeper dives, the article’s links to authoritative sources—American Lung Association, CDC, NIST, and university studies—provide a robust foundation for implementing these suggestions. Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or a first‑time renter, the five strategies highlighted are accessible, budget‑friendly, and scientifically backed, ensuring your home remains a healthy haven all winter long.