Is Your Furnace Ruining the Air Inside of Your Home?

You depend on your furnace to keep your home and family toasty warm despite the cold winter chill.  But have you ever considered the impact that your furnace could be having on the air your family breaths?

Air pollution is a real risk that is putting your family in danger. Here are the facts:

• The average person inhales about 15,000 quarts of air per day
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has rated indoor air pollution as one of the top 5 environmental risks affecting humans today
• Indoor air pollution is two to five times greater than the worst outdoor air pollution
• Cases of childhood asthma are on the rise
• 50 million Americans suffer with allergies ( 30% of all adults and 40% of all children)

Be Alert to These Dangers

Indoor air pollution can be caused by many things including formaldehyde and other chemicals found in your carpeting, furniture and paint, as well as basic dust and dirt brought in on pets, shoes and even clothing. When we talk about indoor air pollution, we are talking about everything from chemicals to dust. Here are some of the biggest culprits that could be invading your home right now:

• Pet Dander
• Dirt and Dust
• Building Materials: many of these contain toxic chemicals that are leached into the air through use
• Cleaning Supplies
• Mold and Mildew
• Tobacco Smoke
• Carbon Monoxide
• Virus/bacteria

The Role Your Furnace Plays in Indoor Air Pollution

You may think that you are safe from the effects of dirty air. In most cases you are not.  While the effects of allergies may be greatest during the colder months, the most dangerous time to suffer the effects of indoor air pollution is during the colder months when the furnace is running.

No matter how efficient your heating system is, the odds are good that your furnace is releasing all sorts of dust, debris and allergens into the air.  While older furnaces are usually to blame for an increase in indoor air pollution, even newer models can be to blame.

There are a lot of things that can exacerbate the problem including:

• Dirty filters.  Every furnace sports a filter that helps to remove dirt, dander and other allergens before it runs through your heating system and is released into the air you breathe. Be sure to change your filters every three months to ensure that they are able to trap the contaminants that pass through your furnace system.
• The Wrong Filters. Not every furnace filter works in this way. Be sure that you choose a filter that is designed to trap dirt, dust, dander and other allergens. The best furnace filters to use for optimal air quality are those with a tight weave (they trap more contaminants), and an M.E.R.V 8 rating.
• Humidity. the older the furnace, the less able it is to keep humidity levels stable in your home. This can lead to a buildup of allergens in the air which can lead to a host of physical symptoms (coughing, wheezing, congestion, etc.).  If you notice dry skin, sore throats, droopy plants and dried out furniture, be sure to install a humidifier in your home or on your furnace to help keep moisture levels stable.
• Leaking Furnace. One of the biggest dangers of an older furnace is carbon monoxide. Some older models house cracks within the system that cannot be easily detected, and this can let dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to escape. There are two ways to keep your family safe from this danger: have your furnace inspected annually and install a carbon monoxide alarm near your furnace.
• Dirty Air Ducts. A lot of gunk can get trapped in your ductwork and this can fill the air in your home with nasty contaminants. Regular duct cleaning can help remove everything from dust to mold to virus and bacteria from your home’s air.

Cleaning the Air in Your Home

With thousands of contaminants invading the air in your home, it is important to do all that you can to keep your furnace running well and your indoor air pollutant free. So, how can you clean up the air that your family breathes? Here are a few simple suggestions:

• Maintain your furnace. This insides annual checks that clean coils and filters as well check for malfunctions.
• Clean air ducts. Dirt, dust and debris that gets trapped in your air ducts can cause mold growth and allergen buildup. Keeping them clean can help eliminate much of the indoor pollution infesting your home
• Dust regularly. Dust contains small particles that an induce cold and allergy symptoms
• Open doors and windows. Not only does this simple act let fresh air into your rooms, but it helps bad air escape.
• Use clearing as: running in a clockwise position, ceiling fans can help to circulate air better
• Install humidifier. This helps keep humidity levels stable and can reduce many upper respiratory symptoms.
• Plant an indoor herb garden. Basil, thyme, and mint can be effective in eliminating harmful air contaminants.

Your home is your sanctuary. It is the place you should feel safe and secure. Don’t compromise that feeling by allowing your air to get too dirty to breathe. Take indoor air pollution seriously and work towards cleaning it up  before you begin to feel its nasty effects.

If you have questions about energy efficient plumbing, contact us online or call our office today. We look forward to hearing from you!

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