Staying warm during the frigid winter can be challenging. While being comfortable when the temperature is its coldest is a major priority, how often do you think about the air caught inside with you? Assuming your home is appropriately sealed and you don’t feel drafts of cold air sneaking in, your indoor air quality might be less than desirable.
Sure, indoor air quality isn’t the most exhilarating thing to think about when it’s way too cold outside, but it is important to consider during the cooler months. The good thing is that improving your indoor air quality is easy and doesn’t require a ton of effort on your part. From furnace filters to routine winter maintenance, improve the air you’re breathing with a few of these easy tips:
Check your filter
Keeping contaminants at bay starts with filtration. Not only do furnace filters keep contaminants from constantly circulating in your home, they help reduce the chance of those contaminants contributing to allergies, disease and other illnesses. Scheduling time to check your furnace filter once a month can ensure your system is running at its peak efficiency and keeping contaminants out of your air. If you recognize that your filter is dark or dirty, go ahead and switch out the filter with a new one.
Size makes a difference
Furnace filters come in a variety of sizes and thicknesses, and selecting the incorrect one can have an adverse effect on the cleanliness of your air and its efficiency. Filters that are too small permit unfiltered air through, sending dirty particles out into your home. Going with a a filter that is too big simply won’t fit your system correctly, bringing about its own issues. To make certain you’ve got the correct size, check the size of the old filter, or look at the owner’s manual of your furnace.
Improved results
When you take a look at furnace filters, you’ll see various options, everything from your most basic models that serve their purpose, to the higher end filters that capture more contaminants. The truth is that the basic filters are made up of loose fiberglass mesh, and do offer you some protection for your home, but not as much protection as the filters that cost a little more. The difference between the filters has a huge impact on your indoor air quality, and can help keep your air free from more contaminants. More often than not, the filters that are a little more expensive offer greater energy efficiency, and could end up saving you money as time goes on.
Keeping your air clean and comfortable is one of our greatest priorities, and keeping an eye on your furnace filter can help you improve your indoor air quality and ensure your home will stay as comfortable as ever. If you’re interested in learing more about furnace filters and how they affect your indoor air quality, give us a call at 641-316-9803.