The freezing temperatures of winter have officially descended on Michigan, and that means your home’s heating system has probably been working overtime. You may feel warm and toasty, but all that constant heat infiltrating your home dries out the air and makes it feel stale. With your home sealed up tight for the winter months, anything circulating in your HVAC system, such as dust, allergens, pet dander, and airborne pollutants, can linger and recirculate.
If you’re suffering from dry throat, itchy skin, or allergies, your heating system might be impacting your indoor air quality more than you realize. Here are some tips to keep your air safe and clean even when your heater is running non-stop.
Replace or Clean Furnace Filters
When your heater runs constantly, all that dust, pet hair, and dirt clogs up the filters faster than usual. When a filter remains dirty, it:
- Releases more airborne particles that circulate through the home
- Reduces airflow and heating efficiency
- Causes additional strain on your furnace
It’s a good idea to replace or clean your filters every one to two months during heavy heating use. If you have pets, smokers, or allergy-prone family members in the home, upgrade to a higher quality filter or increase frequency of replacements.
Ensure Vents and Registers Are Clear
Closed or blocked vents restrict airflow and decrease filter efficiency. Take a look around the house and make sure:
- There is no furniture covering the vents
- Vents are fully open
- To vacuum registers regularly
Better airflow not only results in cleaner, more comfortable air in winter, it also adds less wear and tear to your HVAC unit.
Use a Whole-Home or Portable Humidifier
Dry indoor air can be very uncomfortable. A constantly-running heater greatly reduces humidity levels, which can cause:
- Dry skin and lips
- Irritated throats
- Flare-up of allergy symptoms
- Respiratory irritation
- Static electricity
Consider installing a whole-home humidifier to ensure consistent moisture levels, which benefits your family’s health as well as the health of your wood furniture and flooring. Don’t have a whole-house humidifier? A portable humidifier in each living space will suffice.
Schedule Routine HVAC Maintenance
Regular HVAC maintenance prevents premature breakdowns, and improves indoor air quality. Your technician will conduct a full winter tune-up that includes:
- Clearing buildup from internal components
- Checking ventilation and airflow
- Inspecting safety mechanisms
- Ensuring the system burns fuel cleanly and efficiently
Not only does a well-maintained system produce cleaner air and run more reliably, it helps prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaks.
Keep a Clean Home
Clean your home regularly to reduce the recirculation of dust, pet dander, and allergens. Be sure to:
- Vacuum and dust often
- Wash bedding each week
- Clean vents and baseboards
- Use doormats to reduce tracked-in debris
Winter in Michigan brings dry air to your home, but there are ways to mitigate its effects. From vacuuming regularly and changing filters, to getting regular tune ups and using a humidifier, you can do your part to ensure a well-running heating system while boosting indoor air quality.
Schedule Heater Maintenance Today With Warm or Breezy
Make sure your family is breathing clean, safe air all winter long. Call our HVAC technicians today at (586) 335-3044 for a free quote on heater maintenance.