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

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

Most Common Origins of Unsatisfactory IAQ

We’ve compiled a list of the most ordinary sources of inferior IAQ, the troubles they create and how you can take care of these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your home, we advise consulting with a pro like Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. about which solutions are best for your home.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals emitted from everyday household items.

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

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

When these chemicals accumulate indoors, they can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They might also lead to headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your home is in a rural or industrial space, an EPA study found indoor levels of these chemicals can be 2–5 times greater than the air outside your home.

Always adhere to the manufacturer’s directions when painting or cleaning. Opening a window can help fumes disperse 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 eliminate VOCs.

Dust and Pet Dander

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

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

Lingering Odors

New homes are securely sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your utility costs, it’s not very good for your IAQ.

Stale odors can hang around for a greater amount of time because your home is pulling 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 fresher.

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

A ventilation system removes stale indoor air and substitutes it with fresh outdoor air. There are two models of units (heat recovery and energy recovery), so call our professionals for more information on which solution is right for your house.

Unsteady Humidity

It’s important your home’s humidity remains even. Air that’s too moist can lead to mold, while dry air can cause respiratory troubles.

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

Rather than having to pull a humidifier from room to room, this solution delivers consistent 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 equipment, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.

It presents a severe health risk. In small levels, it can cause flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It may be lethal in large levels.

We suggest annual furnace maintenance to double-check your unit is working like it should. This job allows our professionals to spot issues before they start, including malfunctions that can cause carbon monoxide leaks.

The best way to keep your house free of carbon monoxide is to put in detectors. These alarms must be on every floor near bedrooms and living rooms.

Enhance Your Home’s Air Quality with the Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. Pros

Informed that your residence has poor air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which product is best for you? Give our friendly HVAC professionals a call at 270-358-3167 or contact us online now. With free estimates and professional assistance, we’ll help you choose the right equipment for your needs and budget.