There are a few different methods you can use to add pleasing scents to your home’s furnace and ductwork. Adding scent is a great way to make your home smell fresh and clean, or give it a cozy seasonal aroma. The scent will circulate through your home’s ductwork every time the furnace runs.
The most popular options for scenting your furnace include furnace filters infused with essential oils, scented furnace air fresheners, and scented ductwork treatments. Each has pros and cons to consider. This article will provide an overview of the different methods, along with tips for getting the best results from scented furnace products.
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Should I Scent My Furnace?
Adding a lovely fragrance to your furnace air can be an excellent way to keep your home smelling fresh. However, there are a few factors to consider before deciding if scenting your furnace is right for you:
Pros
– Freshens indoor air and eliminates odors
– Infuses your home with pleasing aromas
– Scent circulates throughout the house with furnace airflow
– Many scent options available like seasonal, herbal, floral, etc.
– Simple to add scent capsules or filters to existing furnace
Cons
– Some people are sensitive to scents and fragrances
– Strong scents can cause headaches or allergic reactions
– Scents may irritate pets
– Scent chemicals could potentially get into furnace components
– Filters and scent capsules need periodic replacing
Overall, adding a light, refreshing fragrance to your furnace can be an excellent idea if scents do not bother you or your family. Use caution with strong, overwhelming scents that could cause reactions.
Furnace Filter Options
One easy way to add scent to your furnace is by using a scented furnace filter. These filters contain essential oils or other fragrance elements infused into the filter material. As air passes through, the scent is dispersed through your home’s ductwork.
Scented Furnace Filter Pros
– Easy to install just like a regular filter
– Releases scent with normal furnace operation
– Long lasting 30-90 days typically
– Air filter cleans air while releasing fragrance
– Wide range of pleasant scent options
Scented Furnace Filter Cons
– Need to be replaced regularly
– Filter may need more frequent changing
– Essential oils could potentially get into furnace components
– Strong scents may be overwhelming
Tips for Using Scented Furnace Filters
– Choose lighter scents instead of strong overwhelming ones
– Change filter as soon as scent fades, don’t wait the full time
– Consider a MERV 8 or lower filtration rating to allow airflow
– Pair with unscented filters for part of the year
Where to Buy
Scented furnace filters are available from most major hardware stores, online retailers, and HVAC companies. Some popular brands include:
– Air-Scent
– EnviroCare
– Filters-Now
– Honeywell
– LuxAir
– PureAir Filtration
– WEB Furnace Filters
Prices range from $10-$30 depending on brand, scent, and filter size.
Furnace Air Fresheners
Another option is using a scented air freshener designed to clip onto your furnace or air ducts. These products contain scented oils in a cartridge or pad. As air passes by, the scent is dispersed through the home.
Furnace Air Freshener Pros
– Quick and easy to install
– Releases scent with normal furnace operation
– Wide range of scent options available
– Long lasting 30-90 days typically
– Easy to adjust scent strength as desired
Furnace Air Freshener Cons
– Must be located for optimal air circulation
– Cartridge/pads need periodic replacement
– Essential oils could potentially get into furnace
– Strong scents can be overwhelming
Tips for Using
– Clip on ductwork near a return air vent for best circulation
– Choose lighter, pleasant scents
– Start with lowest scent setting and adjust as needed
– Replace cartridge as soon as scent fades
Where to Buy
Popular brands of furnace air fresheners include:
– Air Spencer
– Essick Air
– Honeywell
– Pure Citrus
– SMEE
Prices range from $10-$20. Purchase from hardware stores, online retailers, or HVAC companies.
Scented Ductwork Treatments
You can also add scent inside your ductwork which will then circulate when the furnace runs. Options include ductwork sprays, atomizing devices, and scented duct filters.
Scented Ductwork Treatment Pros
– Scent is dispersed throughout home’s ductwork
– Provides pleasant aroma with furnace airflow
– Various methods and scent options available
– Some products offer antimicrobial protection
Scented Ductwork Treatment Cons
– Professional installation often recommended
– Ongoing costs for refills/replacements
– Essential oils could potentially get into furnace
– Improper use could damage HVAC system
Tips for Use
– Have an HVAC professional install and service
– Only use HVAC-approved scent products
– Avoid overwhelming scents that could irritate
– Follow all manufacturer guidelines carefully
Where to Buy
– Duct spray: Air-Scent, Aerowize, Dump the Funk
– Atomizing devices: Aerobiotix, Air-Scent, Omnifresh
– Scented duct filters: FilterBuy, Air-Scent, Honeywell
Prices vary by product from $10-$100+. Purchase through HVAC companies or online retailers. Professional installation is recommended.
Choosing Furnace Scents
When selecting a scent for your furnace, consider:
Seasonal Scents
Choose aromas that fit the season like:
– Spring – floral, citrus, herbs
– Summer – tropical, citrus, fresh linen
– Fall – cinnamon, pumpkin, apple
– Winter – pine, peppermint, spruce
Essential Oil Scents
Popular essential oil options include:
| Scent | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Lavender | Calming and relaxing |
| Eucalyptus | Refreshing, opens airways |
| Lemon | Energizing, uplifting |
| Peppermint | Cooling, improves focus |
| Tea Tree | Clean, medicinal |
Fruity & Floral Notes
Pleasant fruity and floral scents like:
– Citrus – orange, lemon, grapefruit
– Berries – strawberry, raspberry, blueberry
– Herbal – lavender, rosemary, mint
– Flowers – jasmine, lilac, rose
Neutrals
Light, clean scents such as:
– Fresh linen
– White tea
– Light cotton
– Cucumber melon
– Green tea
Tips for Best Results
Follow these tips to get the most satisfaction from your scented furnace products:
– Choose lighter scents to avoid being overwhelming
– Start with subtle scent strength and adjust as needed
– Follow all manufacturer instructions carefully
– Ensure adequate airflow through filters and fresheners
– Change filters/refill fresheners regularly
– Consider unscented periods if scent sensitivity develops
– Use professional HVAC services for duct treatments
– Avoid spills and over-spraying ducts
– Make sure scents are HVAC-safe
Safety Precautions
While scented furnace products can provide pleasing aromas in your home, be sure to keep these safety guidelines in mind:
– Test for scent allergies by scenting only one room first
– Stop using if headaches, breathing issues, or reactions occur
– Keep flammable essential oils away from furnace flame and heat
– Ensure scent chemicals do not get inside furnace components
– Follow manufacturer guidelines to avoid HVAC damage
– Ask doctor before using scents if pregnant or with breathing conditions
– Use caution with babies, pets and individuals with scent sensitivity
– Ventilate well if scents become too strong
Conclusion
Adding a refreshing fragrance to your furnace and air ducts can be an easy and effective way to keep your home smelling fresh and clean. Products like scented filters, air fresheners, and ductwork treatments allow you to infuse the air with pleasant aromas that will circulate throughout your house.
When selecting and using scented furnace products, choose lighter aromas, start with subtle scenting, and watch for any reactions. Follow all safety guidelines from the manufacturer. With some simple tips and precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of a nicely scented home from your existing furnace system.