Staying warm during the chilly winter can be challenging. While being comfortable when the temperature is its coldest is a major 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 sneaking in, your indoor air quality might be worse than you’d like it to be.
Sure, indoor air quality isn’t the most thrilling 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 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 to follow 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 reduce the chance of those contaminants contributing to allergies, disease and other illnesses. Making a point to check your furnace filter once a month can help make sure your system is operating at its top efficiency and keeping contaminants out of your air. If you notice 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 selecting the incorrect one can have a negative 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. Choosing a filter that is too big simply won’t fit your system correctly, bringing about its own problems. To ensure 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 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 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 huge impact on your indoor air quality, and ultimately keeps your air free from more contaminants. Typically, the filters that are a little more expensive give you greater energy efficiency, possibly saving you money over time.
Keeping your air clean and comfortable is one of our greatest priorities, and keeping an eye on your furnace filter can help you boost 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 336-853-6070.