Have you been bit by the spring fever bug yet? After a long winter like we had, during which most of us hid under blankets as we binge-watched Riverdale, it’s only a matter of time before you feel the need to get moving. As the temperatures rise, the days lengthen, and the sun shines, most of us feel a little squirrely at this time of the year. While we’ll join you in trying to figure out who killed Jason, we suggest you focus some of that extra energy into a satisfying spring clean. There’s no better time to tackle your long list of chores.

There’s science behind it. We take our biological cues from Mother Nature, and now that the days are lengthening our circadian rhythms are stabilizing. Meanwhile, the longer, sunnier days give us the opportunity to soak up the rays which are rich in Vitamin D. Vitamin D is vital to our bone health as it prevents a number of musculoskeletal disorders, but it also has a significant impact on our mental well-being. Studies have found Vitamin D can help regulate our moods. It’s also responsible for increased production of melatonin, which helps us get enough rest at night.

Now that you can take on the world this spring, roll up your sleeves and don your yellow gloves. It’s time to give your house some much needed TLC. As you go through your checklist, don’t forget the air quality of your home. While you dust off hard-to-reach surfaces and launder your blinds, it’s easy to forget about the air flowing through your rooms, but it’s an important step of a thorough spring clean.

Start with your furnace. It’s equipped with a filter that’s purified the air blowing through your vents, and it’s worked hard all winter to make sure dust, debris, and allergens are kept to a minimum. It’s time that you replace this filter. Ensuring your furnace receives a clean filter often prevents your appliance from having to work any harder than it has to, as it requires more energy to blow air through a full or dirty filter.

Though you can find a variety of fibreglass filters at a hardware store, these typically don’t last very long. Their eco-friendly and electrostatic alternatives, like those offered by Web, Filtrete, and Honeywell, tend to last longer for roughly the same price. Regardless of the brand, make sure to cast an eye towards the MERV rating on its packaging. Short for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, this score will tell you how well it can filter air impurities. Those with low MERV ratings can stop typical dust and pollen, while those with mid-range ratings can purify mould and exhaust fumes. The highest MERV rating filters are better left for hospitals and scientific labs, as they’re capable of filtering out bacteria.

Though a relatively simple addition to your chores list, a filter replacement can be one of the most important tasks you take on this spring. If you aren’t sure which kind of filter is appropriate for your needs, give us a call. Our technicians can help you inspect, maintain, and repair your furnace, so it’s ready for another busy season next year.