If you’re uncertain whether your Hodgenville house has unhealthy 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 homes could be 2–5 times more contaminated than outdoors, which might create long-term health concerns.

Most Common Origins of Unsatisfactory IAQ

We’ve put together a list of the most ordinary origins 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 house, we suggest talking with a professional like Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. about which products are best for your home.

Volatile Organic Compounds

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

They’re found in paint and stains in addition to:

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

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

Always use the manufacturer’s directions when painting or cleaning. Cracking a window can help vapors disappear faster.

Air purification systems can also improve your air. This unit partners with your heating and cooling equipment to freshen indoor air. When hunting for a model, ensure it’s specifically made to wipe out 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 residence’s comfort system. While you can vacuum more routinely and install an improved air filter, an air filtration system might be a better match.

This unit hooks to your comfort equipment to give strong filtration. Some types have hospital-level filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.

Persistent Odors

New houses are closely sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is great for your heating and cooling bill, it’s not very good for your IAQ.

Stale odors can stick around for a greater amount of time because your house is pulling in reduced fresh air. Since keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t a possibility, here are two approaches you can make your indoor air smell better.

An air purification system is put in your ducts to wipe out odors before they recirculate. Find one with a carbon filter and the power to eliminate damaging VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your loved ones healthy by getting rid of most bacteria and normal allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system takes out musty indoor air and exchanges it with crisp outdoor air. There are two kinds of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our professionals for more info on which solution is best for your home.

Unsteady Humidity

It’s essential your home’s humidity stays even. Air that has too much moisture can cause mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory troubles.

Our professionals suggest 40–50% for top comfort. To keep yours steady, consider getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your comfort equipment.

Instead of having to pull a humidifier from room to room, this product delivers balanced humidity around 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 produces an extreme health risk. In low levels, it can create flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It may be deadly in heavy concentrations.

We suggest regular furnace maintenance to make sure your equipment is running properly. This service allows our pros to pinpoint issues before they start, including malfunctions that can cause carbon monoxide leaks.

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

Improve Your Home’s Air Quality with the Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. Experts

Know that your home has poor air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which solution is a good fit for you? Give our kind HVAC specialists a call at 270-358-3167 or contact us online now. With free estimates and expert assistance, we’ll help you find the right equipment for your home and budget.