Circulating the Allergens in Your Ducts
Forced-air furnaces work by taking in cool air from your home through ducts, heating it, and then circulating it back through your house through another duct system. These ducts collect dust mites, mold, or other allergens that your furnace can push back into your house.
Having your home’s ducts cleaned by a qualified professional removes these irritating allergens before they can get into your home. If you choose to have your ducts cleaned, try to be out of the house for several hours afterwards to give any particles in the air time to settle.
Decreasing Your Home’s Humidity
Running your furnace keeps your house warm but also decreases humidity. When the humidity of your indoor air is too low, it can dry out your nasal passages. Not only can this make you prone to nosebleeds, but having a dry nasal passage makes it possible for allergy-irritating particles to enter your lungs more easily than usual.
Keep an eye on the humidity level of your home — use a humidifier and keep it set between 35 and 50 percent for maximum comfort. A portable humidifier can be set up in any room in your house, while a centrally installed unit can control the humidity in your entire home.
Operating with a Clogged Filter
Your furnace comes with air filters to prevent it from circulating particles throughout your house. Essentially, a clogged filter doesn’t trap allergens effectively and also prevents your furnace from taking in air properly.
If your furnace has a disposable filter, it should be replaced every month during the cold season. If your furnace has a permanent filter, check and clean it per your furnace’s manual.
Bill Joplin’s Air Conditioning & Heating can help with indoor air quality solutions for your home. Call 888-414-4655 to talk to one of our experts about a new furnace or humidifier.
