As the chill of winter approaches and you reach for the thermostat, you must do it with an understanding of the role your furnace plays in your home’s indoor air quality. This often-overlooked aspect of home heating can have significant implications for your health and comfort for years to come.
Do you understand the mechanics of your heating systems or how it can affect the air you breathe? Do you know how to ensure a clean, healthy environment every fall and winter? From the importance of regular maintenance and filter changes to recognizing potential contaminants, we’ll help you breathe easy this furnace season and avoid a decline in indoor air quality that takes a toll on property owners worldwide.
What Happens When You Turn on Your Furnace for the First Time in a While?
Turning on your furnace for the first time in a while can be likened to dusting off an old book – it stirs up particles that have been resting undisturbed. Over the warmer months, when your furnace is not in use, dust, allergens, and potentially harmful particles like mold spores can accumulate within the system. When you finally flick the switch to heat your home, the furnace springs into action, blowing warm air, along with these accumulated particles, throughout your home.
This initial burst of contaminated air can significantly impact your indoor air quality ALL season long. Furthermore, if the furnace has developed any mechanical issues during its period of inactivity, they may become apparent when you first turn on the system, manifesting as unusual noises, odors, or inadequate heating. Therefore, it’s advisable to service your furnace and air ducts before the cold season starts to ensure they can do their job unaffected.
Tips for Maintaining Indoor Air Quality During Furnace Season
The cold weather often sneaks up on us. The 80°F weather we’re used to quickly switches to the 40s and 50s, leaving us immediately looking to our heating systems. With the furnace running more frequently, ensuring the quality of the air within our homes is crucial for both our health and well-being. But how exactly do we maintain good indoor air quality during furnace season? Here are some practical tips and strategies to help you breathe easier, stay healthier, and enjoy a cozier winter inside your warm home.
Inspecting and Cleaning Ductwork for Better Air Quality
Your ductwork serves as the respiratory system of your home, circulating warm air from your furnace to every room. Over time, accumulated dust and debris in your ductwork can lead to diminished air quality, triggering allergies and other health issues. By having your ductwork inspected and professionally cleaned before the start of furnace season, you can ensure that the air circulating throughout your home is as clean and pure as possible.
Dealing With Common Indoor Air Pollutants
Dust, pet dander, pollen, and even mold spores can accumulate in your systems and be present around your home. Turning on your furnace can fire up these indoor air pollutants, spreading them even further around your home. So what can you do about it? Help out your furnace by using air purifiers and maintaining a humidity level of around 30-50% to prevent the growth of mold and dust mites. Keep your property as clean as possible, and your furnace will thank you.
Replacing Air Filters: A Simple Step With Big Impact
Over time, air filters can become clogged with dust, pet dander, pollen, and other airborne particles, which can hinder the efficiency of your furnace and degrade the quality of your indoor air. By regularly replacing your air filters – typically every 90 days, or more frequently if you have pets or suffer from allergies – you can ensure that the air circulated by your furnace is as clean as possible. This is the perfect timeframe to improve the overall air quality in your home while maximizing the usage of your filter.
Cleaning Mold Out of Your Furnace for Better Air Quality
Mold growth in your furnace isn’t just an unsightly issue; it’s a serious health hazard. When the heating system operates, it can distribute mold spores throughout your home. These spores can lead to a multitude of health problems, including allergies, asthma attacks, and other respiratory ailments.
Get your furnace inspected ASAP. If a significant amount of mold is detected in your furnace, it’s crucial to consult professionals for mold removal. Proper handling of mold can prevent the spread of more spores and make a significant impact on the poor air quality you may be experiencing.
Breathe Easier with Mold Medics
Your furnace does more than just heat your home – it plays a significant role in maintaining a clean, healthy living environment. Proper care and attention to your furnace mean safeguarding your health and the well-being of your loved ones.
However, maintaining your furnace and ensuring optimal indoor air quality isn’t a task you must handle alone. At Mold Medics, we’re committed to helping you breathe easier. Our professional air duct cleaning services are designed to remove contaminants from your heating system, enhancing the quality of your indoor air. And with our mold testing and remediation, we can remove the most common contaminants in furnaces.
Reach out to us today to schedule a comprehensive air duct cleaning for your furnace system. Invest in your health and peace of mind by ensuring your furnace contributes to a cleaner, healthier indoor environment.