If you’re uncertain whether your Pacheco residence has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it possibly does.
We are indoors a lot. In reality, we’re indoors up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside houses may be 2–5 times more contaminated than outdoors, which might create long-term health concerns.
Most Common Causes of Unsatisfactory IAQ
We’ve put together a list of the most ordinary causes of poor IAQ, the troubles they cause and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your house, we recommend chatting with a specialist like Clean Air HVAC about which options are ideal for your home.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals emitted from everyday household items.
They’re found in paint and stains along with:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these chemicals accumulate in your home, they can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They may also create headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your home is in a rural or industrial area, an EPA study found indoor levels of these fumes can be 2–5 times greater than the air outside.
Always use the manufacturer’s directions when painting or cleaning. Unlatching a window can help fumes disperse faster.
Air purification systems can also better your air. This system works with your heating and cooling equipment to freshen indoor air. When seeking a model, check that it’s specifically made to eradicate VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can trigger health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continuously gets moved by your home’s heating and cooling equipment. While you can vacuum more routinely and install a better air filter, an air filtration system could be a better solution.
This unit connects with your HVAC unit to deliver mighty filtration. Some models offer hospital-quality filtration for eliminating particles and bioaerosols.
Lasting Odors
New residences are tightly sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is good for your energy bill, it’s not so good for your IAQ.
Stuffy odors can stay around for a greater amount of time because your residence is taking in a smaller amount of fresh air. Because keeping your windows open all year round isn’t an option, here are two methods you can make your indoor air smell better.
An air purification system is placed in your ducts to neutralize odors before they recirculate. Find one with a carbon filter and the power to break down damaging VOCs. This equipment 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 pulls out stale indoor air and replaces it with fresh outdoor air. There are two models of units (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our experts for more info on which kind is right for your residence.
Unsteady Humidity
It’s essential your residence’s humidity keeps steady. Air that’s too moist can lead to mold, while dry air can cause respiratory issues.
Our technicians suggest 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours in balance, consider buying a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your HVAC unit.
Instead of having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this product gives even humidity throughout your residence.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is gas you can’t see or smell. It occurs when there’s insufficient combustion in fuel-burning units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It creates a severe health risk. In small amounts, it can create flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It could be deadly in large concentrations.
We suggest regular furnace maintenance to make sure your equipment is working like it should. This service allows our techs to discover issues before they start, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.
The best approach to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms must be on all floors by bedrooms and living areas.
Improve Your Residence’s Air Quality with the Clean Air HVAC Experts
Know that your residence has poor air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which solution is right for you? Give our friendly HVAC pros a call at 925-233-6238 or contact us online now. With free estimates and professional assistance, we’ll help you choose the best option for your needs and budget.