Staying warm during the frigid winter can be a challenge. While being comfortable when the temperature is its coldest is a major priority, how often do you think about the air trapped inside with you? Assuming your home is properly 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 exciting thing to think about when it’s freezing cold outside, but it is important to consider during the cooler months. The good thing is that boosting 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 the air you’re breathing starts with filtration. Not only do furnace filters keep contaminants from remaining in your home, they help decrease the chance of those contaminants contributing to allergies, disease and other illnesses. Scheduling time to check your furnace filter once a month can help make sure your system is working at its top efficiency and keeping contaminants out of your air. If you realize that your filter is dark or dirty, go ahead and swap out the filter with a new one.
Size makes a difference
Furnace filters come in a number 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 allow 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 problems. To make certain you choose 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 variety of options, everything from your most basic models that serve their purpose, to the higher end filters that catch more contaminants. The truth is that the basic filters are created with 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 big impact on your indoor air quality, and ultimately keeps your air free from more contaminants. Usually, the filters that are a little more expensive give you greater energy efficiency, possibly saving you money as time goes on.
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 815-410-1128.