If you’re questioning whether your Temple/Belton residence has poor indoor air quality (IAQ), it possibly does.
We spend a lot of time inside. 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 residences could be 2–5 times worse than outdoors, which could result in long-term health problems.
Most Common Causes of Bad IAQ
We’ve put together a list of the most common origins of poor IAQ, the problems they create and how you can take care of these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your residence, we recommend chatting with a professional like Bell Air Conditioning Inc about which products are ideal for your house.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals leaked by regular household things.
They’re found in paint and stains in addition to:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these vapors accumulate inside, they may irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They might 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 follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when painting or cleaning. Unlatching a window can help odors disperse more rapidly.
Air purification systems can also improve your air. This equipment collaborates with your heating and cooling equipment to enhance indoor air. When seeking a system, ensure it’s specifically designed to wipe out VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can irritate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continuously gets redistributed by your house’s heating and cooling system. While you can vacuum more routinely and get an enhanced air filter, an air filtration system may be a better fit.
This unit hooks to your heating and cooling unit to provide mighty filtration. Some types have hospital-level filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.
Lasting Odors
Modern houses are tightly sealed to boost energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your energy expenses, it’s not very good for your IAQ.
Stale odors can stick around for a greater amount of time as your house is taking in reduced fresh air. As keeping your windows open all year round isn’t a possibility, here are two approaches you can make your indoor air smell better.
An air purification system is installed in your ductwork to neutralize odors before they recirculate. Look for one with a carbon filter and the capability to eliminate dangerous VOCs. These systems can also help keep your family healthy by wiping out most bacteria and ordinary allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system pulls out stuffy indoor air and replaces it with crisp outdoor air. There are two models of units (heat recovery and energy recovery), so call our pros for more information on which kind is best for your residence.
Uneven Humidity
It’s critical your home’s humidity remains even. Air that’s too humid can cause mold, while dry air can create respiratory concerns.
Our experts recommend 40–50% for top comfort. To keep yours in balance, consider getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your HVAC system.
In place of having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this solution delivers consistent humidity around your house.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is clear gas you can’t smell. It occurs when there’s unfinished combustion in fuel-burning units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It poses a serious health risk. In little concentrations, it can lead to flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It may be deadly in heavy concentrations.
We recommend annual furnace maintenance to double-check your system is operating like it should. This job allows our pros to find problems before they start, including malfunctions that can cause carbon monoxide leaks.
The best way to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to install detectors. These alarms should be on every floor near bedrooms and living areas.
Better Your House’s Air Quality with the Bell Air Conditioning Inc Experts
Informed that your residence has inferior air quality but not sure how to enhance it? Or unsure which option is best for you? Give our friendly HVAC specialists a call at 254-307-9572 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and expert service, we’ll help you find the best equipment for your needs and budget.