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 appropriately sealed and you don’t feel drafts of cold air coming in, your indoor air quality may be lower than you’d like.
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 simple 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 your home starts with filtration. Not only do furnace filters keep contaminants from remaining in your home, they help lessen 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 running at its top efficiency and keeping contaminants out of your air. If you recognize that your filter is dark or dirty, go ahead and switch 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 allow 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 sure you’ve got the correct size, check the size of the old filter, or check 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 made up of 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 huge impact on your indoor air quality, and in the end keeps your air free from more contaminants. More often than not, the filters that are a little more expensive offer greater energy efficiency, possibly saving you money as time goes on.
Keeping your air clean and comfortable is one of our greatest 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 256-270-1196.