- - Winter Warmth Warning: How Indoor Heat Affects Your Health

Wyatt WilliamsNovember 16, 2025 at 12:15 AM

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Indoor heating, while essential during cold months, can create several health concerns that many people don't recognize. Understanding these risks can help you take preventive measures to stay healthy this winter.

Dry air is one of the most common problems in heated indoor environments. Most heating systems reduce indoor humidity levels, often below 30% - well under the recommended 40-60% range. This dryness can cause irritated skin, itchy eyes, and dried nasal passages. These increase susceptibility to colds and respiratory infections.

Heating systems that aren't properly maintained pose significant dangers. According to the CDC, over 400 Americans die annually from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, with many cases occurring during the winter months. Faulty furnaces, blocked chimneys, and improperly ventilated space heaters are common culprits.

The temperature differential between heated interiors and cold outdoors puts additional strain on the body. Research shows that this can cause blood pressure fluctuations, potentially increasing cardiovascular risk for vulnerable individuals, particularly seniors and those with existing heart conditions.

Indoor pollutants can also concentrate in well-sealed winter homes. The EPA reports that indoor air quality can be 2-5 times worse than outdoor air. Dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores circulated through forced-air systems can trigger allergies and asthma attacks.

To reduce these risks, there are a few steps that anyone can take. Changing a furnace filter every 1-3 months during the winter can help. Use humidifiers to keep indoor humidity levels closer to the recommended levels.

And, if it isn't too cold, it helps to occasionally open windows to ventilate the house.

By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the warmth of your home while minimizing potential health impacts during the winter season.

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Source: “AOL Breaking”