If you’re questioning whether your Hodgenville home has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it probably 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 could be 2–5 times more contaminated than outdoors, which might create long-term health issues.
Most Common Causes of Poor IAQ
We’ve compiled a list of the most common sources of inferior IAQ, the troubles they create and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your residence, we suggest chatting with a expert like Phelps Heating & Cooling about which options are a good fit for your family.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes emitted from everyday household things.
They’re found in paint and stains along with:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these vapors build up indoors, they may irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They can 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 pollutants can be 2–5 times greater than the air outdoors.
Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when using paint or cleaning supplies. Unlatching a window can help fumes disperse faster.
Air purification systems can also make it better. This equipment partners with your heating and cooling system to clean indoor air. When looking for one, ensure it’s specifically created to eliminate VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can aggravate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continuously gets moved by your residence’s HVAC equipment. While you can vacuum more regularly and install an enhanced air filter, an air filtration system could be a better solution.
This equipment connects with your comfort system to deliver powerful filtration. Some models have hospital-quality filtration for eliminating particles and bioaerosols.
Lingering Odors
New houses are closely sealed to boost energy efficiency. While this is great for your heating and cooling costs, it’s not very good for your IAQ.
Stale odors can stay around longer because your house is drawing in reduced fresh air. Since keeping your windows open all year round isn’t a possibility, here are two methods you can make your indoor air smell better.
An air purification system is placed in your HVAC system to wipe out odors before they recirculate. Search for one with a carbon filter and the capability to break down harmful VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your family healthy by eliminating most bacteria and normal allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system takes out stuffy indoor air and exchanges it with crisp outdoor air. There are two types of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our professionals for more details on which type is ideal for your house.
Unbalanced Humidity
It’s important your residence’s humidity keeps balanced. Air that’s too humid can cause mold, while dry air can cause respiratory concerns.
Our experts recommend 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours in balance, think about installing a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your HVAC equipment.
In place of having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this equipment provides balanced humidity throughout your home.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is gas you can’t see or smell. It’s caused by incomplete combustion in fuel-burning units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It causes a severe health risk. In little concentrations, it can create flu-like sickness like headaches and nausea. It could be fatal in heavy concentrations.
We advise annual furnace maintenance to make sure your system is operating smoothly. This job allows our professionals to pinpoint issues before they get bigger, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.
The best approach to keep your house free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms must be on every floor close to bedrooms and living areas.
Better Your House’s Air Quality with the Phelps Heating & Cooling Pros
Know that your home has inferior air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which option is best for you? Give our friendly HVAC professionals a call at 270-358-3167 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and professional support, we’ll help you locate the best solution for your needs and budget.