Staying warm during the frigid 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 making their way in, your indoor air quality might 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 through the cooler months. The good thing is that improving your indoor air quality is quite 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 simple tips:
Check your filter
Keeping contaminants out of the air you’re breathing starts with filtration. Not only do furnace filters keep contaminants from circulating over and over, they help lessen the chance of those contaminants affecting allergies, disease and other illnesses. Ensuring you check your furnace filter once a month can help make sure your system is operating at its best 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 variety of sizes and thicknesses, and picking the incorrect one can have an adverse 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 make certain you’ve got 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 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 offer 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 can help keep your air free from more contaminants. Usually, 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 better 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 631-737-5566.