Staying warm during the chilly winter can be a nuisance. While being comfortable when the temperature is its coldest is a major priority, how often do you think about the air stuck inside with you? Assuming your home is properly sealed and you don’t feel drafts of cold air coming in, your indoor air quality could 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 during the colder months. The good thing is that improving your indoor air quality is simple 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 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 worsening allergies, disease and other illnesses. Ensuring you check your furnace filter once a month can help make sure your system is working at its peak efficiency and keeping contaminants out of your air. If you realize 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 picking the incorrect one can have an undesirable effect on the cleanliness of your air and its efficiency. Filters that are too small let 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 ensure you’ve got the correct size, check the size of the old filter, or take a peek at 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 capture more contaminants. The truth is that the basic filters are put together using 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 in the end keeps your air free from more contaminants. Typically, the filters that are a little more expensive offer greater energy efficiency, possibly saving you money over time.
Keeping your air clean and comfortable is one of our top 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 knowing more about furnace filters and how they affect your indoor air quality, give us a call at 540-636-3396.