The EPA estimates that indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air — and in some cases, up to 100 times worse. Given that Canadians spend an average of 90% of their time indoors, particularly during Saskatchewan's long winters, indoor air quality is a health issue that deserves serious attention. The good news is that most of the steps below are straightforward, affordable, and have an immediate impact.
Replace Your Air Filter — and Do It More Often
The single most impactful thing most homeowners can do for indoor air quality costs under $30 and takes five minutes. A clogged air filter doesn't just reduce airflow and strain your HVAC system — it stops capturing the particles it was designed to remove. For most homes, filters should be replaced every 1–3 months depending on occupancy, pets, and local air quality. If you have pets, allergies, or live near a busy road, lean toward monthly replacement. Upgrade to a MERV 11–13 filter for significantly better particle capture without restricting airflow on most residential systems.
Control Humidity — Both Too High and Too Low
Saskatchewan's climate creates a dual humidity challenge: extremely dry air in winter (often below 20% RH) and humid conditions in summer. Both extremes affect air quality and health. Low humidity dries out mucous membranes, making you more susceptible to respiratory infections, and causes static electricity, wood shrinkage, and cracked skin. High humidity promotes mould growth, dust mite proliferation, and musty odours. The ideal indoor range is 35–50% RH. A whole-home humidifier integrated with your furnace addresses winter dryness; a properly sized air conditioner and ventilation system manages summer humidity.
Ventilate Properly — Especially in Tight Modern Homes
Modern homes are built to be airtight for energy efficiency, which is great for your heating bill but problematic for air quality. Without adequate fresh air exchange, pollutants accumulate: VOCs from furniture and cleaning products, CO₂ from occupants, moisture from cooking and bathing, and combustion byproducts if you have gas appliances. A Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) or Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) brings in fresh outdoor air while recovering 70–80% of the heat from the outgoing stale air — giving you ventilation without the energy penalty. For Saskatchewan's climate, an HRV is one of the best investments you can make in your home's air quality.
Consider a Whole-Home Air Purification System
Portable air purifiers are useful for individual rooms, but they can't address air quality throughout your entire home. A whole-home air purification system installed in your HVAC ductwork treats every cubic foot of air that circulates through your system. The Lennox PureAir S system, for example, uses a combination of MERV 16 filtration and UVA light to remove particles, bioaerosols, and chemical vapours — addressing all three categories of indoor air pollutants in a single system. Unlike portable units, it requires no maintenance beyond an annual media replacement.
Have Your Ductwork Inspected and Cleaned
Your ductwork is the delivery system for your HVAC — and if it's dirty, leaky, or contaminated, it's actively degrading the air you breathe. Duct leakage is particularly common in older homes, where gaps and disconnected sections can pull in unconditioned air from attics, crawlspaces, or wall cavities — bringing dust, insulation fibres, and moisture with it. Professional duct cleaning removes accumulated dust, debris, and potential mould growth. Duct sealing with mastic or metal tape addresses leakage. Both are worthwhile investments if your home is more than 15 years old and has never had ductwork attention.
Test for Radon — Especially in Regina
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that seeps up from the ground and accumulates in basements and lower floors. It's the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada after smoking, and it's odourless and invisible. Health Canada recommends testing every home, and Saskatchewan has areas with elevated radon potential. Testing is inexpensive (DIY kits are available for under $50) and takes 90 days. If your result is above 200 Bq/m³, a licensed radon mitigation contractor can install a sub-slab depressurization system that typically reduces levels by 80–99%.
Quick Wins: Start Here This Week
- Check your furnace filter — replace if it's been more than 3 months
- Pick up a hygrometer ($15–$25) to measure your home's humidity
- Order a radon test kit online or from a hardware store
- Check your bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans are actually venting outside
- Call EDCO to discuss an HRV or whole-home air purifier assessment