The weather outside if frightful, but your furnace should be keeping your home feeling delightful. Your HVAC system keeps you comfortable and warm during the frigid winter months, but if your system is in need of repair it could be making you sick. As you've taken the necessary steps to keep your home as energy-efficient this chilly season, you're also sealing off your home from fresh air. This could cause an escalation in both allergens and pollutants. Your annual furnace repair appointment will help keep your air clean and comfortable throughout the year. There are also some steps you can take between your annual maintenance visits to secure your air quality and health.
Check and Change Your Air Filter
Checking and changing your furnace filter is one of the most crucial things you can do between furnace repair and maintenance visits. It's highly recommended that furnace filters be changed at minimum every 3 months (some longer), but it's wise to check it every month for debris. This is particularly important if you live in a home with smokers or pets. Pollen, pet dander, dust mites and numerous other kinds of debris more easily build up in grimy filters and that affects the health of those with sensitivities. A dirty filter will also decrease your system's efficiency and lifespan.
Regular Cleaning
It's not usually possible to open windows and let in fresh air during the winter months and your carpets and furniture will trap all types of indoor pollutants. Keep your home as well-kept as possible during the winter months. Not only will you be prepared for any unexpected guests, but you'll keep the dust from upsetting your allergies or clogging up your air filter. If you don't have one already, a good investment is a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
Furnace Repair and Maintenance
Annual furnace repair and maintenance is not just crucial for the life of your furnace, but also for your health. If you're using a gas furnace, your home is heated by natural gas or propane. Carbon Monoxide is a natural side effect of furnace operation. When your system is operating as it is meant to, CO is channeled out of the home through an exhaust pipe. Your yearly maintenance will find any leaks and and make sure it is operating properly.
Your home is your safe haven. We want to work along side you to keep you as healthy and comfortable as possible. Call us at 636-206-4250 and talk to one of our furnace repair technicians if you have any questions about keeping your furnace and air quality in tip-top shape this season.