Staying warm during the chilly winter can be a nuisance. While being comfortable when the temperature is its coldest is a big priority, how often do you think about the air trapped inside with you? Assuming your home is appropriately sealed and you don’t feel drafts of cold air making their way in, your indoor air quality may be worse than you’d like it to be.
Sure, indoor air quality isn’t the most exciting thing to think about when it’s freezing cold outside, but it is important to consider throughout the colder months. The good thing is that improving your indoor air quality is easy and doesn’t require a lot 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 out of your home starts with filtration. Not only do furnace filters keep contaminants from constantly circulating in your home, they help reduce the chance of those contaminants affecting allergies, disease and other illnesses. Making a point to check your furnace filter once a month can help make sure your system is working at its best 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 various sizes and thicknesses, and selecting the incorrect one can have an undesirable effect on the cleanliness of your air and its efficiency. Filters that are too small allow 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 headaches. To make certain you have the correct size, check the size of the old filter, or check the owner’s manual of your furnace.
Improved results
When you go to get furnace filters, you’ll see a number of options, everything from your most basic models that serve their purpose, to the higher end filters that contain more contaminants. The truth is that the basic filters are made up of loose fiberglass mesh, and do provide 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. Usually, the filters that are a little more expensive offer greater energy efficiency, and could end up saving you money over time.
Keeping your air clean and comfortable is one of our highest 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 843-485-0967.