Staying warm during the frigid winter can be a nuisance. 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 properly 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 so cold outside, but it is important to consider through the cooler 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 contributing to allergies, disease and other illnesses. Ensuring you check your furnace filter once a month can let you know your system is operating 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 picking 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 headaches. To ensure you choose the correct size, check the size of the old filter, or check the owner’s manual of your furnace.
Improved results
When you go to get 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 catch more contaminants. The truth is that the basic filters are put together using 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 in the end keeps your air free from more contaminants. More often than not, the filters that are a little more expensive provide greater energy efficiency, and could end up saving you money in the long run.
Keeping your air clean and comfortable is one of our top 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 308-321-4703.