Staying warm during the chilly winter can be challenging. While being comfortable when the temperature is its coldest is a big 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 coming 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 freezing cold outside, but it is important to consider through the winter months. The good thing is that increasing your indoor air quality is easy and doesn’t require a bunch 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 the air you’re breathing starts with filtration. Not only do furnace filters keep contaminants from constantly circulating in your home, they help lessen the chance of those contaminants worsening allergies, disease and other illnesses. Making a point to check your furnace filter once a month can let you know your system is operating at its best efficiency and keeping contaminants out of your air. If you recognize that your filter is dark or dirty, go ahead and change out the filter with a new one.
Size makes a difference
Furnace filters come in a number of 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 permit unfiltered air through, sending dirty particles out into your home. Choosing a filter that is too big simply won’t fit your system correctly, bringing about its own issues. 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 take a look at 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 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 large impact on your indoor air quality, and ultimately keeps your air free from more contaminants. Usually, the filters that are a little more expensive offer greater energy efficiency, potentially 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 hearing more about furnace filters and how they affect your indoor air quality, give us a call at 724-425-5852.