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Why February Is the Perfect Time to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

  • February 12, 2026
  • Tips

While February is technically the shortest month of the year, Ohio’s winter cold can make it feel never-ending. Weeks of sealed windows and constant furnace use can quietly affect your home’s indoor air quality. As you wait for warmer days ahead, there's one thing you shouldn't ignore: your indoor air quality.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is the air you breathe inside your home. When it’s poor, it can cause dry air, lingering odors, and allergy or respiratory irritation. Winter often worsens IAQ, as closed windows and constant furnace use trap pollutants indoors.

If you’re new to IAQ, we break down the basics in this guide.

At Atlas Butler, we believe every breath you take inside your home should be clean, comfortable, and safe. Here's why February is the ideal time to focus on freshening up the air you breathe, and how we can help.

4 Reasons Indoor Air Quality Often Suffers in Winter

  1. Closed windows = limited ventilation: Stale indoor air has nowhere to go, and fresh outdoor air can’t come in.
  2. Dry winter air from heating systems: Your furnace pulls moisture from the air, which can dry out your skin, throat, furniture, and even wood floors.
  3. Buildup of dust, allergens, and pet dander: With more time spent indoors, particles collect faster on surfaces and in your air.
  4. Increased use of gas appliances and fireplaces: These can release combustion byproducts that impact air quality if not properly vented.

Common Wintertime Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality

Some indoor air quality issues are easy to see, while others you simply feel. Common signs include:

  • Dry, itchy skin or irritated eyes
  • Scratchy throat or frequent coughing
  • Worsening allergy or asthma symptoms
  • Lingering cooking or pet odors
  • Extra dust visible on furniture
  • Static shock from dry air

How Your HVAC System Affects Your Air

Your heating system plays a major role in your home’s air quality.

  • Air filters are your first line of defense
    • They trap dust, pollen, and other pollutants. Remember to change them regularly.
    • Pro tip: check them every 1–3 months, especially if you have pets.
  • Dirty ductwork = dusty air
    • Dirty ducts can push dust and allergens through your home every time the heat kicks on.
  • Furnace airflow and efficiency
    • A clogged filter or underperforming system can lead to poor circulation and uneven air distribution, meaning some rooms may feel stuffy or stale.

Smart Solutions for Better Air This Winter

Improving your air quality doesn’t have to wait until spring. Here are 4 winter-friendly IAQ solutions you can take action on now:

  1. Upgrade to high-efficiency air filters: Capture smaller particles and breathe easier with better filtration.
  2. Add a whole-home humidifier: Combat winter dryness to relieve static, dry skin, and respiratory irritation.
  3. Install an air purifier: Devices like the iWave can help reduce allergens, viruses, and odors circulating through your home.
  4. Schedule duct cleaning: Remove built-up dust, debris, and pet hair hiding in your vents.

Watch our duct cleaning video on YouTube

Want Long-Term Clean Air? Join the Comfort Club

Consistent maintenance is key to keeping your HVAC system and indoor air at their best. Atlas Butler’s Comfort Club makes it easy:

  • Regular tune-ups to catch issues before they become big problems
  • Exclusive discounts on repairs and IAQ products
  • Priority scheduling


Call 1-800-FURNACE or visit atlasbutler.com to schedule your indoor air quality service today.

© 2026 Atlas Butler