Staying warm during the bitterly cold winter can be a challenge. While being comfortable when the temperature is its coldest is a top 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 sneaking in, your indoor air quality could be less than desirable.
Sure, indoor air quality isn’t the most exhilarating thing to think about when it’s so cold outside, but it is important to consider during the winter months. The good thing is that improving your indoor air quality is simple 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 out of your home 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. Making a point to check your furnace filter once a month can ensure your system is working at its peak efficiency and keeping contaminants out of your air. If you notice 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 variety of sizes and thicknesses, and choosing the incorrect one can have a negative 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. Picking a filter that is too big simply won’t fit your system correctly, bringing about its own issues. To make sure you have the correct size, check the size of the old filter, or look at the owner’s manual of your furnace.
Improved results
When you shop for 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 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 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, and could end up saving you money as time goes on.
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 309-517-7511.