2 Warning Signs That Your Furnace Is Hurting Your Indoor Air Quality

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2 Warning Signs That Your Furnace Is Hurting Your Indoor Air Quality

15 February 2023
 Categories: , Blog


Your furnace does more than just keep your home warm and cozy — it also helps regulate air quality. When a furnace is in disrepair, it can cause a range of issues that can impact not only comfort levels but also the overall health of you and your family.

Understanding the warning signs that indicate a furnace is damaging indoor air quality is key to ensuring your furnace remains in good working order. Here are the signs to watch out for.

Musty Odors

Musty odors are a warning sign that your furnace could be damaging your indoor air quality. Furnaces make use of humidifiers to add moisture to the air, but if these are not properly maintained and regularly cleaned, algae and mold can start to form. In this way, the humidifier becomes more of a hazard than a benefit.

The damp environment generated by the humidifier allows bacteria and spores to thrive, leading to musty smells being released into the air. In extreme cases, mold growth in the ductwork or other parts of the furnace can lead to further indoor air quality contamination.

This is especially dangerous for those with allergies or asthma, as mold spores can trigger attacks. Make sure that any musty odors emanating from an HVAC system are identified early before they cause long-term health problems.

An experienced technician can help you identify the source of the musty odors and provide furnace repair services if needed. They can also check the furnace's components, such as filters and air ducts, to ensure mold and bacteria are not growing in these areas.

Visible Dirt and Dust Buildup 

Visible dirt and dust buildup are other signs that your furnace might be damaging your indoor air quality.

The filters in the HVAC system are designed to collect large particles of dust and debris, reducing the amount that is circulated within your home. However, over time, these filters can become clogged with dirt and dust, preventing them from functioning properly.

As a result, the air passing through the system can become heavily contaminated with small particles of dirt and dust, which then get dispersed throughout your home.

To keep these problems at bay, regularly inspect and change out your filters so that they don't become clogged with dirt and grime over time. Also, have a professional technician check your furnace for any underlying issues that could be leading to poor indoor air quality. This will help ensure that you and your family stay healthy now and in the future.

Contact a furnace repair service for assistance or to learn more.