Breathe Easy: How Proper Furnace Care Can Enhance Your Indoor Environment

Posted by Nearly Services on November 5th, 2023

While heating homes in winter, furnaces also circulate airborne particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander through living spaces. Poor furnace maintenance aggravates indoor air quality issues. But with thoughtful upkeep, furnaces can actually filter away pollutants and freshen household air.

Start with Duct and Vent Cleaning

Over time, dust debris accumulates inside forced air ducts, restricts airflow, and gets blown into rooms. Hire professionals to deep clean ducts using specialized vacuums, brushes, and air pressure. Strictly avoid unqualified contractors using risky chemical sprays in ducts. 

Inspect vents for lint blockages or mold from condensation. Remove vent covers and use a vacuum crevice tool to extract built-up grit and deposits. Fresh ducts circulate air better.

Upgrade Air Filter Quality 

A simple furnace filter upgrade reaps huge air quality benefits. Pleated filters trap more particulates than basic filters. Electrostatic models also attract oppositely charged particles using static electricity. HEPA filters remove a remarkable 99.97% of allergens and are highly recommended for dust sensitivity.

Change Filters Frequently 

Dirty clogged filters mean poor filtration and restricted airflow. Follow manufacturer guidelines on replacement intervals, generally every 1-3 months for common filters. Sign up for automatic filter delivery on a regular schedule. Writing reminders on calendars also helps prevent forgotten changes.

Inspect Humidifiers

If your HVAC system has a humidifier component, ensure it stays cleaned and sanitized. Change evaporative wick filters annually. Scale buildup breeds bacteria. Keeping humidifiers well maintained furnace installation  prevents mold and odors from contaminating indoor air. 

Have Ducts Sealed

Leaky joints and gaps in heating ducts allow dust and allergens to enter your living space. Professional duct sealing improves air quality by preventing pollutants circulating directly through cavities and attics. Well-sealed ducts also enhance furnace efficiency.

Install a Whole-House Air Purifier 

Add a HEPA-grade air purification system servicing your entire HVAC duct network. High-powered whole-house units trap microscopic irritants in the air that standard filters miss. Look for UV lamps to kill mold and bacteria. Smart app controls allow monitoring indoor air quality.

Inspect Air Registers 

Ensure air supply and return registers distribute and collect airflow properly. Straighten bent fins to direct air. Caulk gaps allowing attic bypass. Clean accumulated dust and pet hair around vents trapping allergens. Proper register placement and maintenance keeps air circulating cleanly.

Tune-Up Combustion 

A poorly burning furnace generates excess carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds that reduce air quality. Annual tune-ups adjust fuel-air mixtures for cleaner, safer combustion producing less pollution. Tight ducts also prevent exhaust gases leaking indoors.

Allow Ample Fresh Air Circulation

Today’s airtight home construction requires ensuring sufficient fresh replacement air enters to mix safely with furnace exhaust escaping outside. Inspect that intake vents remain unblocked. Operating bathroom and attic fans too frequently deprives furnaces of fresh oxygen for clean burning. 

Listen for Air Distribution Sounds

If you hear whistling in ducts or air whooshing through gaps, airflow isn’t contained. Poorly connected ducts, lacking insulation, and leaky return vents degrade indoor environments. Have a professional ensure duct joints are tightly sealed and insulated to maximize air quality.

Perform Regular Maintenance 

Don’t allow dust and debris to accumulate in the furnace combustion chamber and circulate. Replace igniters, clean flame sensors, and inspect blower components during seasonal tune-ups. Well-maintained furnaces run cleaner for better indoor air.

Conclusion

With some thoughtful adjustments and diligent upkeep, a furnace can go from exacerbating indoor air issues to actively improving household air quality. By trapping pollutants and allergens within filters, allowing optimal fresh air mixing, and preventing leaks, furnaces can help promote clean, breathable indoor air.