If you’re unsure whether your Alliance home has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it probably does.
We are indoors a lot. As a matter of fact, we’re inside up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside residences could be 2–5 times more contaminated than outdoors, which might create long-term health concerns.
Most Common Sources of Unsatisfactory IAQ
We’ve compiled a list of the most frequent sources of bad IAQ, the issues they make and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re troubled by the air inside your residence, we suggest talking with a expert like Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces about which solutions are ideal for your family.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals emitted from regular household products.
They’re found in paint and stains along with:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these fumes accumulate inside, they might irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They might also cause headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your home is in a rural or industrial space, an EPA study found indoor levels of these fumes can be 2–5 times greater than the air outside.
Always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines when painting or cleaning. Unlatching a window can help odors disappear faster.
Air purification systems can also improve your air. This unit partners with your heating and cooling equipment to enhance indoor air. When hunting for a system, ensure it’s specifically designed to wipe out VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can aggravate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continuously gets recirculated by your home’s comfort equipment. While you can vacuum more frequently and buy an improved air filter, an air filtration system may be a better solution.
This equipment hooks to your comfort equipment to deliver mighty filtration. Some models offer hospital-level filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.
Lingering Odors
New residences are closely sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your heating and cooling costs, it’s not so good for your IAQ.
Stale odors can stay around for a greater amount of time because your home is pulling in less fresh air. As keeping your windows open all year-round isn’t an option, here are two approaches you can make your indoor air smell fresher.
An air purification system is placed in your ductwork to eliminate odors before they recirculate. Find one with a carbon filter and the ability to wipe out dangerous VOCs. These systems can also help keep your household healthy by wiping out most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system removes musty indoor air and replaces it with crisp outdoor air. There are two models of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our professionals for more information on which kind is best for your house.
Unsteady Humidity
It’s essential your home’s humidity stays even. Air that’s too moist can lead to mold, while dry air can create respiratory troubles.
Our specialists suggest 40–50% for ideal comfort. To keep yours even, think over getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your HVAC equipment.
Rather than having to pull a humidifier from room to room, this solution delivers even humidity throughout your house.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It occurs when there’s insufficient combustion in fuel-burning appliances, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It poses a severe health risk. In low levels, it can lead to flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It can be lethal in heavy amounts.
We recommend yearly furnace maintenance to double-check your equipment is working smoothly. This work allows our pros to pinpoint troubles before they begin, including malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.
The best way to keep your house free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms should be on all floors near bedrooms and living spaces.
Improve Your Home’s Air Quality with the Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces Professionals
Informed that your residence has bad air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which option is right for you? Give our kind HVAC experts a call at 308-762-1613 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and expert support, we’ll help you find the right option for your family and budget.