We all depend on our furnaces to keep us warm when temperatures drop. But have you ever thought about the quality of the air circulating through your furnace and back into your house during all these colder months? Winter keeps more than people trapped inside; it keeps air trapped inside too. And that can be damaging to your indoor air quality.
Don’t worry, though, it’s relatively easy to enhance your indoor air quality. In fact, it requires very little effort from you. Answer these questions and upgrade your indoor quality:
Is your filter clean?
The first step to cleaner air is filtration. Furnace filters trap contaminants so they aren’t moving through your home (and your lungs). A clean air filter can save you and your family members from aggravated allergies and other illnesses. Just checking your furnace filter once a month and changing it if it’s dark or dirty can keep your system functioning more efficiently and keep your air cleaner.
Do you have the right filter?
If your filter is the incorrect size and/or thickness for your furnace, you could be damaging your indoor air quality and the efficiency of your furnace—despite your intention to do the opposite. If a filter is too small, it can let unfiltered air sneak through. A filter that’s too big just won’t fit. Follow Goldilocks’ lead and find the one that’s just right to avoid these problems. Check the furnace manufacturer’s manual to find the size your furnace needs.
Are you using a high-quality filter?
You can find furnace filters that will do a basic job and offer you a medium level of filtration, and you can find higher-end filters that capture more contaminants. In general, spending a little more on a higher-quality filter will most likely pay you back, and give you greater energy efficiency and savings on energy bills.
One of our biggest priorities at Three Rivers Heating & Cooling is keeping your air clean and comfortable. If you want to learn more about how furnace filters can help your indoor air quality and which ones would be best for you, call us at 503-213-4433.