We all depend on our furnaces to to keep our homes warm when it gets cold outside. But have you ever thought about the quality of the air circulating through your furnace and back into your house all winter? Winter keeps more than people trapped inside; it keeps air trapped inside too. And that can be bad news for your indoor air quality.
Don’t worry, though, it’s pretty easy to clean up your indoor air quality. In fact, it entails 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 catch contaminants so they aren’t passing through your home (and your lungs). A clean air filter can save you and your family members from flared-up 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 running 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 plan to do the opposite. If a filter is too small, it can let unfiltered air slip 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. Consult the furnace manufacturer’s manual to find the right size.
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 remove more contaminants. In general, spending a little more on a higher-quality filter will most likely pay you back, and offer greater energy efficiency and savings on energy bills.
One of our biggest priorities at Strine's Heating & Air Conditioning is keeping your air clean and comfortable. If you want to find out more about how furnace filters affect your indoor air quality and which ones would be best for you, call us at 717-383-4479.