If you’re uncertain whether your Hodgenville residence has unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely does.

We are indoors a lot. In fact, we’re in a building up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside houses could be 2–5 times worse than outdoors, which could create long-term health problems.

Most Common Causes of Bad IAQ

We’ve made a list of the most common sources of bad IAQ, the problems they create and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your home, we suggest chatting with a professional like Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. about which solutions are ideal for your family.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are vapors leaked by everyday household products.

They’re found in paint and stains as well as:

  • Furniture
  • Carpet
  • Building materials
  • Cleaning products
  • Cosmetics
  • Air fresheners
  • Candles

When these fumes accumulate in your home, they can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They can also create headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your house is in a rural or industrial location, an EPA study found indoor levels of these pollutants can be 2–5 times higher than the air outside your home.

Always adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions when painting or cleaning. Opening a window can help fumes dissipate faster.

Air purification systems can also help. This unit partners with your heating and cooling system to improve indoor air. When seeking a model, ensure it’s specifically designed to wipe out VOCs.

Dust and Pet Dander

Dust and pet dander can irritate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continually gets moved by your residence’s comfort system. While you can vacuum more routinely and install an improved air filter, an air filtration system may be a better match.

This solution hooks to your comfort equipment to deliver powerful filtration. Some types provide hospital-level filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.

Lingering Odors

Modern residences are securely sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is great for your energy costs, it’s not ideal for your IAQ.

Musty odors can stay around for a greater amount of time as your residence is pulling in reduced fresh air. Because keeping your windows open all the time isn’t doable, here are two approaches you can make your indoor air smell better.

An air purification system is installed in your HVAC system to neutralize odors before they get released again. Search for one with a carbon filter and the capability to eliminate harmful VOCs. These units can also help keep your loved ones healthy by wiping out most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system pulls out stuffy indoor air and exchanges it with clean outdoor air. There are two models of units (heat recovery and energy recovery), so call our professionals for more information on which solution is best for your residence.

Uneven Humidity

It’s important your home’s humidity keeps even. Air that’s too humid can cause mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory symptoms.

Our technicians suggest 40–50% for top comfort. To keep yours in balance, think over getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your heating and cooling unit.

Rather than having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this equipment delivers consistent humidity throughout your house.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It’s a byproduct of 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 create flu-like sickness like headaches and nausea. It could be fatal in big concentrations.

We recommend regular furnace maintenance to double-check your equipment is running like it should. This service allows our techs to discover problems before they get bigger, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.

The best way to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to put in detectors. These alarms must be on all floors close to bedrooms and living areas.

Better Your House’s Air Quality with the Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. Pros

Informed that your home has inferior air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which product is ideal for you? Give our approachable HVAC specialists a call at 270-358-3167 or contact us online now. With free estimates and pro support, we’ll help you find the ideal option for your needs and budget.