Why Winter Indoor Air Quality Is Worse And Why You Notice It After Vacation

You know the feeling: you walk in the door after a winter getaway, looking forward to relaxing at home, and instead, you’re hit with a stuffy, musty smell. The air feels heavy and a bit stale, and it’s not the welcome-home you pictured.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many of us notice that “off” smell in the winter months, especially after returning from a trip.

So, what’s actually going on with your indoor air?

Why Indoor Air Quality Gets Worse in Winter

During winter, we tend to keep our homes tightly sealed against the cold. That means fewer open windows and less fresh air coming in.

Heating systems keep us comfortable, but also recirculate the same air repeatedly, along with any dust, dander, or other particles that have settled in.

Homes can become excessively dry or develop small, damp areas where moisture lingers. All of this sets the stage for stale air and lingering smells.

What Happens While You’re Away

When you head out for vacation, the usual daily activities that keep your home’s air moving, such as walking around, running fans, or opening and closing doors, slow down or stop completely.

With the house closed up and little movement happening, the air becomes stagnant. Humidity can fluctuate, and dust or pet dander will continue to settle.

If your HVAC system is running on an old filter, it’s less likely to capture those particles, and when you walk in after days away, your nose immediately notices it.

Why You Notice the Smell Right Away

After spending time breathing fresh air elsewhere, whether on a snowy mountain or simply outside more than usual, your senses reset. Coming back inside makes any stagnant or musty odors stand out much more, even if you didn’t notice them before you left.

Easy Ways to Refresh Your Home’s Air

Luckily, a few simple steps can help you avoid that stale welcome and keep your indoor air healthier all winter long:

• Change your air filter before you leave (or on a regular schedule). This keeps your system working efficiently and helps trap dust and allergens—even when you’re not home.
• Use your system’s fan (“Auto” or on a set schedule, if possible) to keep air circulating while you’re away, instead of letting it sit still.
• Watch humidity and airflow. Keep interior doors open and be mindful of excess moisture, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.

For more tips, check out our resources on How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter and Winter Indoor Air Quality Tips.

A Friendly Reminder from Filterbuy

If you can’t remember the last time you changed your air filter, consider this your nudge! Swapping in a fresh filter before your next trip (or setting a reminder for routine changes) can make all the difference in how your home feels when you return.

Want to make it even easier?

Filterbuy’s automatic filter delivery service takes the guesswork out of remembering. Just set your schedule and get the right filters delivered to your door when you need them, hassle-free.

Here’s to coming home to clean, comfortable air, no matter how long you’ve been away.