If you’re uncertain whether your Lancaster residence has unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ), it possibly does.
We are indoors a lot. In reality, we’re in a building 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 might create long-term health problems.
Most Common Origins of Poor IAQ
We’ve compiled a list of the most common causes of bad IAQ, the issues they create and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your house, we advise consulting with a expert like Fairfield Heating & Cooling about which products are ideal for your house.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes emitted from common household things.
They’re found in paint and stains as well as:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these vapors accumulate indoors, they might irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They may also cause headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your home is in a rural or industrial location, an EPA study found indoor levels of these fumes can be 2–5 times higher than the air outside.
Always adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions when using paint or cleaning supplies. Unlatching a window can help fumes dissipate faster.
Air purification systems can also improve your air. This equipment partners with your heating and cooling system to improve indoor air. When hunting for a system, ensure it’s specifically designed to eliminate VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can trigger health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it constantly gets recirculated by your house’s comfort equipment. While you can vacuum more regularly and get an improved air filter, an air filtration system could be a better fit.
This solution hooks to your HVAC equipment to deliver strong filtration. Some models offer hospital-level filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.
Lingering Odors
Modern residences are securely sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is good for your heating and cooling bill, it’s not ideal for your IAQ.
Stuffy odors can stick around for a greater amount of time since your residence is pulling in a smaller amount of fresh air. Since keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t a possibility, here are two ways you can make your indoor air smell fresher.
An air purification system is installed in your ducts to eliminate odors before they are redistributed. Look for one with a carbon filter and the capability to break down harmful VOCs. These units can also help keep your family healthy by eliminating most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system removes stuffy indoor air and substitutes it with clean outdoor air. There are two types of systems (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our professionals for more info on which solution is ideal for your home.
Unbalanced Humidity
It’s important your home’s humidity keeps even. Air that’s too humid can lead to mold, while dry air can cause respiratory issues.
Our experts suggest 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours steady, consider getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your heating and cooling system.
In place of having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this product delivers consistent humidity across 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 produces an extreme health risk. In little levels, it can cause flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It may be deadly in large amounts.
We recommend annual furnace maintenance to ensure your equipment is working smoothly. This service allows our techs to pinpoint issues before they get bigger, 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 need to be on every floor close to bedrooms and living rooms.
Improve Your Residence’s Air Quality with the Fairfield Heating & Cooling Pros
Aware that your residence has inferior air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which product is a good fit for you? Give our friendly HVAC specialists a call at 740-331-4331 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and pro support, we’ll help you find the right equipment for your needs and budget.
