If you’re questioning whether your Troy home has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely does.
We are indoors a lot. In reality, we’re indoors up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside residences can be 2–5 times more contaminated than outdoors, which could result in long-term health concerns.
Most Common Sources of Bad IAQ
We’ve put together a list of the most common causes of inferior IAQ, the problems they create and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re troubled by the air inside your home, we suggest chatting with a pro like Edington Heating & Cooling Inc about which options are best for your family.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals released by common household things.
They’re found in paint and stains in addition to:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these chemicals accumulate indoors, they may irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They might also cause headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your residence is in a rural or industrial location, 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 instructions when using paint or cleaning supplies. Opening a window can help vapors dissipate more rapidly.
Air purification systems can also improve your air. This system collaborates with your heating and cooling equipment to improve indoor air. When looking for one, check that it’s specifically made to eradicate VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can trigger health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continually gets moved by your house’s heating and cooling system. While you can vacuum more regularly and install an enhanced air filter, an air filtration system might be a better solution.
This solution connects with your heating and cooling unit to provide powerful filtration. Some models have hospital-grade filtration for eliminating particles and bioaerosols.
Persistent Odors
Modern residences are tightly sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is great for your utility costs, it’s not so good for your IAQ.
Musty odors can stay around for an extended amount of time as your residence is taking in a smaller amount of fresh air. Since 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 put in your ducts to neutralize odors before they get released again. Look for one with a carbon filter and the power to eliminate dangerous VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your household healthy by getting rid of most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system takes out stale indoor air and replaces it with fresh outdoor air. There are two types of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so call our professionals for more info on which kind is best for your house.
Uneven Humidity
It’s essential your home’s humidity remains even. Air that’s too humid can create mold, while dry air can cause respiratory troubles.
Our technicians advise 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours even, think about buying a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your HVAC system.
In place of having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this solution gives consistent humidity around your home.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is clear gas you can’t smell. It occurs when there’s incomplete combustion in fuel-burning units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It causes a severe health risk. In small amounts, it can lead to flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It can be fatal in big levels.
We advise annual furnace maintenance to make sure your system is running properly. This service allows our professionals to spot troubles before they start, including malfunctions that can cause carbon monoxide leaks.
The best method to keep your house free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms must be on each floor by bedrooms and living areas.
Better Your Residence’s Air Quality with the Edington Heating & Cooling Inc Specialists
Informed that your home has inferior air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which solution is ideal for you? Give our kind HVAC professionals a call at 937-558-9478 or contact us online today. With free estimates and expert service, we’ll help you locate the best option for your home and budget.