Heaters and your health; are they related? With lower temperatures in the air, home heaters are put to work. However, you may not know that your heater could be the reason you are getting sick.
During spring and summer, your ductwork collects allergens such as pollen and dust. The accumulated allergens come rushing back into your home when you turn on your heating system during the fall. Your lungs are exposed to breathing in mold and dust, especially if your air filters haven't been cleaned prior.
Here are five ways to prepare for using your heater to protect your health.
Clean Your Air Ducts
Before the temperature drops and it gets cold, check and clean your ductwork before using your heating system. Doing so will ensure you have clean, warm air flowing through your ducts for the first time after starting up your furnace this season. Cleaning your ducts beforehand will prevent many potential problems from appearing, such as sneezing, coughing, allergies, and more.
Heat All of Your House
Many homeowners cut down on bills by only heating parts of their homes. However, this imposes a danger on your health. If you know you have bad blood circulation or get cold quickly, entering different regulated rooms can cause serious problems. When you move from a warm space to a colder one, your blood pressure increases and thus reduces the blood supply to your heart, which can result in causing a heart attack or abnormal heartbeats.
Crack A Window
In some situations, carbon monoxide from your furnace can leak, which can cause many health problems for you and your loved ones. OSHA states how carbon monoxide replaces oxygen in the blood, depriving the heart, brain, and other vital organs of oxygen.
Opening a window for fresh air before you start your furnace can prevent you from feeling that way. In addition, your technician can check for signs of leakage and help you monitor it.
Invest In A Humidifier
Dry skin, throat, and irritated sinuses might result from your home circulating the dry air. Investing in a humidifier will increase the moisture in your air, making it more comfortable to breathe. In addition, a humidifier can help you save on costs by providing heat for your home without increasing the temperature.
Schedule Maintenance
Maintaining your home's heating system is critical to keeping your system functioning in the long run. Heaters are more efficient and operate better if appropriately maintained before the heavy-use season starts. By scheduling your heater’s maintenance, you are one step ahead in identifying any underlying problems your system may have. In addition, you will save money on replacement costs. Most importantly, you won’t have to worry about your heating system affecting your health negatively.