As winter approaches in Georgetown and Round Rock, most homeowners shift their focus to staying warm, but indoor air quality (IAQ) is just as important. When windows stay closed and heating systems run more often, dust, allergens, pet dander, and airborne pollutants can build up inside your home quickly. Poor IAQ can lead to dry throats, irritated sinuses, headaches, and uncomfortable breathing, especially for allergy sufferers.

The good news? With a few smart steps, you can dramatically improve your home’s air quality before winter settles in. Here’s how to create a cleaner, healthier indoor environment for the colder months ahead.

1. Replace Your Air Filters Before the First Cold Front

North Austin areas like Georgetown and Round Rock experience rapid temperature swings in the fall and early winter. When that first cold snap hits, homeowners often turn on their heating systems for the first time in months, only to circulate old dust and debris.

Why It Matters

A clean, high-quality filter captures:

• Dust and debris
  
• Pet hair and dander
  
• Mold spores
  
• Pollen and allergens
  
• Bacteria and some airborne particles

Tip: Upgrade to a pleated, high-MERV filter (8–11) to improve filtration without over-restricting airflow.

2. Schedule a Pre-Winter HVAC Tune-Up

Regular HVAC maintenance is essential for both performance and indoor air quality.

How It Helps:

During a tune-up, a technician will:

• Clean dust and buildup from the blower components
  
• Inspect ductwork for leaks or contamination
  
• Ensure proper airflow
  
• Check for safety issues (like carbon monoxide risks)
  
• Clean or recommend replacement for indoor coils

Homes in older Georgetown neighborhoods and growing Round Rock subdivisions often have HVAC systems that accumulate dust quickly—making seasonal maintenance especially important.

3. Add a Whole-Home Air Purification Solution

If you or anyone in your household suffers from allergies or respiratory issues, winter can make symptoms worse. Consider installing a whole-home purification system that attaches directly to your HVAC unit.

Benefits Include:

• Reduction of bacteria and viruses
  
• Removal of smoke, odors, and VOCs
  
• Better protection during the peak winter illness season
  
• Continuous air cleaning, even when the system isn’t heating

UV-light purifiers and electronic air cleaners are popular choices for Central Texas homes.

4. Control Humidity Levels

Even though winters are generally mild in Central Texas, indoor air can still become excessively dry when heating systems are running.

Why Humidity Matters:

• Low humidity irritates the sinuses and skin
  
• Too much humidity can encourage mold growth
  
• Balanced humidity (30–50%) improves comfort and reduces airborne particles

Homeowners in Round Rock’s newer, well-sealed homes especially benefit from humidity control because airtight construction traps moisture and pollutants.

5. Dust, Vacuum, and Clean More Frequently

When your home is shut tight for winter, dust accumulates more quickly, especially if you have pets.

Focus on:

• Carpets and rugs
  
• Upholstered furniture
  
• Ceiling fans
  
• Curtains/blinds
  
• High-traffic floors

Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to keep trapped dust from being released back into the air.

6. Seal Air Leaks and Improve Ventilation

Air leaks around windows, doors, and ductwork can pull contaminants from attics, garages, and outdoors into your living space.

Improving Ventilation Helps:

• Reduce indoor pollutants
  
• Balance temperature and airflow
  
• Lower energy bills

Homes in both Georgetown’s and Round Rock’s fast-growing suburban areas can suffer from air leakage, so sealing gaps is an easy and effective improvement before winter.

7. Keep Your Home’s Ductwork Clean

If your ducts are dirty, every time your heater runs, it pushes those pollutants into the air you breathe.

Consider a duct inspection if you notice:

• Excess dust on surfaces
  
• Musty or stale odors
  
• Uneven airflow
  
• Higher-than-normal allergy symptoms

Clean, sealed ductwork not only improves air quality but also boosts HVAC efficiency.

Breathe Easier This Season in Georgetown & Round Rock

Winter doesn’t have to mean dry, dusty, stale air in your home. With a few preventative steps—filter changes, maintenance, purification upgrades, and better humidity control—you can create a noticeably fresher, healthier indoor environment all season long.

If you want expert help preparing your home for winter, a professional HVAC team can perform system cleanings, duct inspections, and IAQ improvements so your family stays comfortable and protected.

Schedule your furnace tune-up before the first cold front hits.

Call 512-280-0011 or schedule online to stay warm, stay ready — and stay comfortable.