The temperatures in Alaska have been dropping each week. With the fall and winter months approaching quickly, you may start using your furnace again. If you haven’t used your furnace in quite some time, it may be possible your furnace might be a little rusty and may not run the same way it did last year. When something has been sitting dormant for a while, certain features tend to tense up and break more easily. Do you remember the last time you cleaned your furnace?
Cleaning your furnace or having a technician come out to perform maintenance on your furnace can serve you many benefits this fall and winter. If you are not cleaning your furnace often, there is more room for dust and other hazardous particles to build up, making you and your family feel sick.
Nausea, dizziness, coughs, irritated eyes — these are all common symptoms that can arise when your furnace isn’t working correctly. Here’s what every homeowner should know.
Do you need your furnace cleaned? Get in touch with us!
Reasons Your Old Furnace Could Be Making You Sick
You may be wondering how your furnace could possibly be the reason you feel sick. After all, what does a furnace have to do with developing a cold? Your furnace could be the underlying cause of why you are suddenly feeling under the weather. Here are some reasons why your furnace could be making you feel icky.
Dust and Pollen Buildup
When you leave your furnace off for a while and are not actively using it in the summer, dust, pollen, and other allergens can begin to build up. When dust and pollen are collected over a period of time and you turn on your furnace, you run the risk of developing sick symptoms such as:
- Breathing problems
- Itchy eyes
- Cough
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
Low Humidity
Another reason you may be feeling under the weather might be due to the fact that there is low humidity running throughout your house. Low humidity in your house may result in dry skin, increase susceptibility to more colds and illnesses, and can allow viruses to spread.
How To Prevent Getting Sick from Your Old Furnace
If you are looking for ways to prevent getting sick from your furnace, try a couple of these easy solutions out.
- Invest in a Humidifier
Investing in a humidifier is a great solution to alleviate dry, itchy eyes and a sore, scratchy throat. When there is no moisture in the air, it causes the air to become drier. Humidifiers work to keep moisture in the air, so you can breathe better, have clear sinuses, and feel less stuffy or runny.
- Clean Your Furnace Every Year
To avoid feeling under the weather, it is extremely important that you take care of your furnace and make sure everything is functioning properly. If you neglect cleaning your furnace over a period of time, you are allowing more dust and allergens to build up, which is causing you to feel the way you do. If you notice any dust around your furnace, be sure to clean it so you can avoid these symptoms.
- Schedule a Technician for Maintenance
If you do not feel comfortable performing maintenance on your furnace, or you’re just not sure what you should be looking out for, do not stress. A licensed and certified technician will be able to come directly to your house to take a look at what needs fixing and improvements. They may even suggest getting a furnace replacement if you’ve had your furnace for over 15 to 20 years. They may ask you how often you clean it. They will tell you that you should be cleaning your furnace regularly or yearly, depending on how much you use it.
- Open Your Windows
Opening your windows when you are feeling sick because of your finance allows you to breathe in fresher air. This may improve your symptoms if you are feeling a bit under the weather and are looking for quick and fast relief. Another reason to open your windows and let in the fresh air if you’re feeling sick is that there may be a carbon monoxide leak inside your home. If you are feeling uneasy in this situation, please contact a technician immediately and evacuate your home. This could be very dangerous.
In Search of a New Furnace?
If your furnace is causing you more problems than before, it might be time to consider purchasing a new one. But how do you know which one is the best? Which one is guaranteed to last you a long time? Do you need one that is easier to clean?
We can help you answer these questions. Choosing a furnace doesn’t have to seem overwhelming, that is why we are here to give you only the best recommendations for furnaces that will leave you feeling more confident in your decision. HeatSource Mechanical is Lennox’s premier dealer for all the furnaces that are hot out on the market. Check out some of our favorite and most efficient furnaces:
- Elite Series EL296V – This variable-speed, two-stage gas furnace works to not only heat your home to your desired temperature but also works to keep your monthly energy bills to a minimum to help you save money more efficiently.
- Elite Series EL280E Gas Furnace – Searching for a furnace that can heat up the entire house rather than just one room? This gas furnace is the solution for you. This two-stage gas furnace comes equipped with a constant-torque motor design to evenly distribute heat all throughout your home.
- Dave Lennox Collection SLP99V – Are you tired of consistently hearing your furnace turn off and on? Is it disrupting your sleep or ability to watch your favorite TV show? Now you can with this variable-capacity gas furnace. This is the quietest and most efficient furnace you can buy.
Want to browse more products? Click here.
Stay Warm With HeatSource Mechanical
If you are a local Alaskan, you know how chilly it can get during the fall and winter months. If you are new to the area, let’s just say you might want to bundle up and be sure to invest in a furnace! A furnace will help you get through these months with ease and comfort.
If you’re looking for a new furnace or need your current one cleaned, inspected, or repaired, HeatSource Mechanical is your go-to heating service provider in the Mat-Su Valley, including Wasilla, Sutton, Eagle River, and everywhere else in-between.
We offer services such as:
- Residential
- Commercial
- Installation
- Service and repair
- Air duct cleaning
- Maintenance
HeatSource Mechanical has been in the industry for over 35 years and our team of professionals are here to assist you and properly guide you with whatever it may be that you are in need of. If you are looking for a new furnace or just need someone to come down and clean it for you, we will be there for you. We are dedicated to ensuring you stay warm, comfortable, and safe during these crisp, cool months. We provide superior products, elite craftsmanship, and excellent customer service.
Are you ready to get started? Schedule an appointment with us today!
