If you’re uncertain whether your Longview residence has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely does.
We are indoors a lot. As a matter of fact, we’re inside 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 could create long-term health problems.
Most Common Origins of Poor IAQ
We’ve put together a list of the most ordinary origins of bad IAQ, the problems they create and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your house, we suggest chatting with a expert like Goode Bros AC & Heating about which solutions are a good fit for your family.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are vapors leaked by common household things.
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 may irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They can also create 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 outdoors.
Always adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions when painting or cleaning. Cracking a window can help vapors disperse faster.
Air purification systems can also make it better. This system partners with your heating and cooling equipment to freshen indoor air. When seeking one, ensure it’s specifically made to eradicate VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can irritate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continuously gets moved by your residence’s comfort equipment. While you can vacuum more regularly and buy an improved air filter, an air filtration system may be a better fit.
This solution hooks to your heating and cooling equipment to deliver strong filtration. Some kinds provide hospital-level filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.
Lasting Odors
New houses are closely sealed to boost energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your energy expenses, it’s not very good for your IAQ.
Stuffy odors can stay around for a greater amount of time as your house is pulling in a smaller amount of fresh air. As keeping your windows open all year-round isn’t an option, here are two ways you can make your indoor air smell better.
An air purification system is placed in your HVAC system to wipe out odors before they get released again. Look for one with a carbon filter and the capability to wipe out harmful VOCs. These units can also help keep your family healthy by getting rid of most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system removes stuffy indoor air and replaces it with fresh outdoor air. There are two types of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our professionals for more info on which solution is right for your home.
Unsteady Humidity
It’s critical your residence’s humidity remains even. Air that’s too humid can cause mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory symptoms.
Our specialists suggest 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours even, think about getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your comfort equipment.
Rather than having to drag a humidifier from room to room, this solution delivers even humidity throughout your house.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It’s caused by insufficient combustion in fuel-burning appliances, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It causes an extreme health risk. In low levels, it can create flu-like sickness like headaches and nausea. It could be lethal in big concentrations.
We advise regular furnace maintenance to double-check your unit is running smoothly. This job allows our specialists to discover problems before they get bigger, including malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.
The best way to keep your house free of carbon monoxide is to put in detectors. These alarms should be on all floors by bedrooms and living areas.
Enhance Your House’s Air Quality with the Goode Bros AC & Heating Specialists
Informed that your home has bad air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which solution is right for you? Give our friendly HVAC specialists a call at 903-284-2612 or contact us online now. With free estimates and expert assistance, we’ll help you choose the best solution for your home and budget.
