How Your Furnace Impacts Indoor Air Quality

Staying warm during the bitterly cold winter can be a challenge. While being comfortable when the temperature is its coldest is a big priority, how often do you think about the air stuck 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 less than desirable.

Sure, indoor air quality isn’t the most thrilling thing to think about when it’s way too 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 remaining in your home, they help lessen the chance of those contaminants worsening allergies, disease and other illnesses. Ensuring you check your furnace filter once a month can ensure your system is running at its peak efficiency and keeping contaminants out of your air. If you recognise 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 number of sizes and thicknesses, and selecting the incorrect one can have an undesirable 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 problems. To make certain you choose 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 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 fibreglass 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. More often than not, the filters that are a little more expensive provide greater energy efficiency, and could end up 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 better your indoor air quality and ensure your home will stay as comfortable as ever. If you’re interested in hearing more about furnace filters and how they affect your indoor air quality, give us a call at (325) 692-5850.