Indoor Air Quality Diminishes
It's common for stale air to circulate in a home during the winter. As we try to keep warm, the stale air tends to lead to diminished indoor air quality. Keeping indoor air quality in mind is important for the health and well-being of your family. By taking some basic steps it's possible to maintain desirable indoor air quality while still keeping your home warm and comfortable. This article will give you some simple steps you can take to improve the quality of air in your Shrewsbury New Jersey home this winter.
Clean HVAC Vents and Registers
An HVAC system tends to circulate dust throughout a home. Regardless of how clean you keep your house, dust will accumulate. As your HVAC system pulls air in, dust also enters the unit and eventually dust can accumulate inside only to be recirculated back into the air your family breathes. Vacuuming is an excellent way to reduce the level of dust in your home. In fact, there have been studies that indicate that vacuuming can be an effective way to improve indoor air quality.
Make Use of a Humidifier
When the heat is on and the windows are closed, it's common to also have a very dry indoor environment. This can make you feel like it's not quite warm enough, so you turn the heat up even more. The reason for this is that dry air isn't very good at carrying heat. You might want to consider using a humidifier to moisten the air. Fortunately, a quality humidifier doesn't have to cost a lot. Additionally, running a humidifier will have very little impact on your energy bills.
Replace Air Filters
It's extremely important that you regularly check the filters in your HVAC system. Inspect the filter for dirt and debris. This should be done about once every month. If you notice that the filter is showing signs of dirt accumulation, it's time for a replacement. Depending on your environment, you might have to change the filters more frequently. Every home is different, so check the filters and change them when necessary.
Checking and replacing air filters is especially important during the winter months when you have your heating system running. A clogged filter is more likely to occur when there's inadequate ventilation. The air filter in your home's HVAC system is a key part of improving the quality of air in your home.
Occasionally Open Windows
Every once in a while, it's a good idea to crack a window open. Even if the weather is a bit chilly, you can still open a window for a short time. Some fresh air is a wonderful way to freshen your home when it's been closed up for several weeks. You probably won't want to leave the window open for long, but opening one or two windows for a short time can significantly help reduce indoor air pollution. Make sure you close the window after a short time so that your heater doesn't have to work overtime.
Place Green Plants in Your Home
Beautiful green houseplants can help rid your home of benzene and carbon monoxide. This can help improve indoor air quality almost immediately. Houseplants make indoor air easier to breathe because they help reduce toxins that are present in the air. Additionally, plants can brighten your home with a bit of style, regardless of which room you put them in. Having houseplants in your space can have a number of benefits. When purchasing plants for your home, be sure to choose a nice variety.
HVAC Maintenance and Service is Important
Make time to schedule a tune-up for your furnace. This should only be done by a professional HVAC technician. When a furnace sits idle over the summer, allergens, dust and other debris can accumulate; before turning your furnace on for the first time in the fall, have it professional cleaned. A heating system that is properly maintained and cleaned will reduce heating costs while ensuring your home stays warm and comfortable. It's important to leave any HVAC work to a licensed contractor with a solid reputation for quality service.
Conclusion
Take steps to ensure that your home's indoor air quality is not compromised this winter. It's important to have a professional HVAC contractor take care of cleaning and maintenance. This will help ensure improved air quality, lower energy bills, and a more comfortable home environment. Of course, hiring a reputable company to provide the HVAC service you need is essential.
Schedule a tune-up for your heating system by contacting Lawes Company, your trusted HVAC professional. With NATE certified technicians working on your HVAC equipment, you'll be able to increase the energy efficiency of our furnace while improving air quality and home comfort. Additionally, our expert tips can help you optimize the quality of the air in your home. Give us a call to schedule an appointment today.
Call us now to get your free estimate. Call us at (732) 741-6300 to find out more!