If you’re uncertain whether your Cottonwood & Prescott house has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely does.
We spend a lot of time inside. As a matter of fact, we’re indoors up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside houses can be 2–5 times worse than outdoors, which might result in long-term health problems.
Most Common Sources of Bad IAQ
We’ve put together a list of the most ordinary sources of bad IAQ, the problems they cause and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your home, we suggest talking with a expert like Connolly Electric & Mechanical about which products are ideal for your family.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals emitted from regular household products.
They’re found in paint and stains along with:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these fumes build up inside, they may 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 greater than the air outside your home.
Always adhere to the manufacturer’s directions when applying paint or spraying cleaning products. Cracking a window can help odors disperse faster.
Air purification systems can also make it better. This equipment partners with your heating and cooling system to improve indoor air. When hunting for a system, check that it’s specifically created 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 redistributed by your home’s HVAC unit. While you can vacuum more frequently and install an enhanced air filter, an air filtration system may be a better fit.
This solution hooks to your HVAC system to give strong filtration. Some models have hospital-level filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.
Persistent Odors
Modern residences are closely sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your energy expenses, it’s not so good for your IAQ.
Musty odors can stick around for an extended amount of time as your residence is drawing in a smaller amount of fresh air. As keeping your windows open all year round isn’t an option, here are two approaches 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. Look for one with a carbon filter and the power to eliminate damaging VOCs. These systems can also help keep your family healthy by eliminating most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system takes 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 technicians for more information on which type is ideal for your home.
Uneven Humidity
It’s important your home’s humidity remains balanced. Air that’s too moist can lead to mold, while dry air can create respiratory concerns.
Our technicians advise 40–50% for ideal comfort. To keep yours steady, think over buying a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your comfort system.
Instead of having to pull a humidifier from room to room, this solution delivers even humidity around your home.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is gas you can’t see or smell. It’s a byproduct of unfinished combustion in fuel-burning units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It poses a serious health risk. In small amounts, it can cause flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It can be fatal in large levels.
We advise regular furnace maintenance to make sure your system is running properly. This job allows our pros to spot issues before they start, including malfunctions that can cause carbon monoxide leaks.
The best method to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to install detectors. These alarms need to be on every floor by bedrooms and living areas.
Enhance Your Home’s Air Quality with the Connolly Electric & Mechanical Professionals
Informed that your residence has bad air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which option is ideal for you? Give our kind HVAC specialists a call at 928-251-4327 or contact us online today. With free estimates and expert support, we’ll help you choose the ideal equipment for your family and budget.