If you’re unsure whether your Temple/Belton residence has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it possibly does.

We are indoors a lot. In reality, we’re inside up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside houses could be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoors, which might create long-term health problems.

Most Common Sources of Unsatisfactory IAQ

We’ve put together a list of the most ordinary origins of inferior IAQ, the issues they cause and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your residence, we recommend consulting with a expert like Bell Air Conditioning Inc about which options are ideal for your family.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals leaked by 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 vapors accumulate indoors, they may irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They can also lead to headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your residence is in a rural or industrial location, an EPA study found indoor levels of these chemicals can be 2–5 times worse than the air outside.

Always use the manufacturer’s instructions when painting or cleaning. Unlatching a window can help fumes disappear faster.

Air purification systems can also better your air. This unit partners with your heating and cooling system to freshen indoor air. When looking for a model, ensure it’s specifically designed to wipe out VOCs.

Dust and Pet Dander

Dust and pet dander can aggravate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continuously gets moved by your residence’s comfort equipment. While you can vacuum more frequently and buy an improved air filter, an air filtration system might be a better solution.

This equipment hooks to your comfort equipment to deliver mighty filtration. Some models have hospital-level filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.

Persistent Odors

Modern residences are closely sealed to boost energy efficiency. While this is great for your energy bill, it’s not very good for your IAQ.

Stale odors can hang around for a greater amount of time because your house is pulling in less fresh air. Because keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t a possibility, here are two methods you can make your indoor air smell cleaner.

An air purification system is installed in your ductwork to neutralize odors before they recirculate. Find one with a carbon filter and the capability to wipe out damaging 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 takes out musty indoor air and replaces it with clean outdoor air. There are two kinds of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so call our professionals for more information on which kind is right for your home.

Uneven Humidity

It’s essential your residence’s humidity keeps even. Air that’s too humid can cause mold, while dry air can cause respiratory symptoms.

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

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

It presents a severe health risk. In little levels, it can cause flu-like sickness like headaches and nausea. It could be lethal in heavy concentrations.

We suggest yearly furnace maintenance to ensure your equipment is operating smoothly. This service allows our pros to pinpoint troubles before they start, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.

The best way to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to install detectors. These alarms should be on each floor close to bedrooms and living rooms.

Better Your Home’s Air Quality with the Bell Air Conditioning Inc Professionals

Know that your house has bad air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which option is best for you? Give our friendly HVAC experts a call at 254-307-9572 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and professional support, we’ll help you locate the best option for your needs and budget.