New Year, New Air: 2026 Indoor Air Quality Resolutions Checklist for Home

January in Maine means closed windows, long heating runs, and indoor air that can get stuffy, dry upstairs and damp downstairs. If you live in Gray, ME—or anywhere from Portland and Freeport to Brunswick, Bangor, Bar Harbor, and even into New Hampshire—now’s the perfect time to set 2026 resolutions that make your air cleaner, your home healthier, and your family more comfortable.

How can I improve indoor air quality in winter?

When homes are sealed for warmth, pollutants and moisture can build up. The quickest path to better winter IAQ in Maine is threefold: bring in controlled fresh air with mechanical ventilation, manage humidity, and verify what’s in your air with professional testing. Fresh Air Ventilation Systems, LLC helps homeowners balance all three with tailored ventilation, dehumidification, and indoor air quality testing.

Your 2026 Indoor Air Quality Resolutions Checklist

Book an indoor air quality test: Identify particulates, VOCs, and moisture issues so you can fix the right problem the first time.

Add or tune up ventilation (HRV/ERV): Heat Recovery Ventilators and Energy Recovery Ventilators exchange stale indoor air for fresh outdoor air while conserving heat—ideal for tight Maine homes and increasingly supported by local building codes.

Control humidity to 30–50%: Use whole-house solutions for balanced moisture; consider basement or garage dehumidification to prevent mold and musty odors.

Upgrade and change filters on time: Set reminders to replace furnace or air handler filters every 1–3 months during heating season.

Use spot ventilation daily: Run bath fans for 20 minutes after showers and kitchen range hoods while cooking, especially with gas.

Reduce sources: Store paints/solvents in detached spaces, choose low-VOC cleaners, and avoid idling vehicles in attached garages.

Schedule a maintenance review: Ensure fans, ductwork, and ventilation settings are right for winter conditions in Gray, Portland, Freeport, and beyond.

Why ventilation matters more in Maine winters

Modern construction in places like the Lakes Region, Lewiston/Auburn, and York is tighter than ever to save energy—which also traps pollutants and moisture. A professionally sized HRV/ERV keeps fresh air moving without wasting heat. That means fewer winter odors, less condensation on windows, and more consistent comfort throughout the house.

Dehumidification that actually fixes the problem

Basements in Brunswick, Rockland, Belfast, and Skowhegan can be damp even in winter due to ground moisture and temperature differences. A dedicated dehumidifier—installed and ducted for the space—does more than a plug-in unit by controlling moisture evenly, protecting finishes, and discouraging mold growth. Garage dehumidification helps keep tools, gear, and stored items dry and safe, too.

Quick wins you can do this weekend

Check fan flow: Hold a tissue near bath/kitchen fan grilles—it should pull firmly. If not, it’s time for cleaning or an upgrade.

Verify dryer venting: Ensure it exhausts outdoors, not into crawlspaces or garages.

Calibrate a hygrometer: Place two hygrometers side by side; if they disagree by more than 5%, replace or recalibrate.

Crack the routine: After large gatherings, run an HRV/ERV or fans longer to clear CO2 and odors.

What to expect from a home IAQ assessment in Gray, ME

Fresh Air Ventilation Systems conducts a room-by-room review, measures humidity and airflow, and can test for common indoor pollutants. You’ll receive a clear, prioritized plan—often combining ventilation improvements, targeted dehumidification, and simple habit or filter changes—to deliver results you can feel this winter in Bangor, Bar Harbor, Rangeley, and across New Hampshire.

Make 2026 the year of better breathing

At Fresh Air Ventilation Systems, LLC, our mission is simple: honest, high-quality solutions at a reasonable price that protect your health and comfort. With local know-how and code-aware recommendations, we design ventilation, dehumidification, and testing plans that fit your home and budget.

Ready for cleaner, fresher air? Schedule your indoor air quality evaluation or ventilation consultation today at freshairventilation.net. We proudly serve Gray, Portland, Freeport, Lewiston/Auburn, the Lakes Region, Brunswick, Rockland, Belfast, Bangor, Bar Harbor, Skowhegan, Rangeley, York, and communities across New Hampshire.