Staying warm during the bitterly cold 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 lower than you’d like.
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 during the colder months. The good thing is that boosting 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 easy to follow 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 lessen the chance of those contaminants affecting allergies, disease and other illnesses. Scheduling time 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 recognize 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 choosing 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. Picking a filter that is too big simply won’t fit your system correctly, bringing about its own problems. To make sure you have 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 number 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 created with 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 large impact on your indoor air quality, and ultimately keeps your air free from more contaminants. Typically, the filters that are a little more expensive provide greater energy efficiency, potentially saving you money over time.
Keeping your air clean and comfortable is one of our highest 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 learing more about furnace filters and how they affect your indoor air quality, give us a call at (616) 319-1436.