If you’re uncertain whether your Eastland home has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it probably does.
We spend much of our time indoors. In fact, we’re in a building up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside homes can be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoors, which might create long-term health problems.
Most Common Causes of Unsatisfactory IAQ
We’ve put together a list of the most common sources of poor IAQ, the problems they cause and how you can take care of these indoor air pollutants. If you’re troubled by the air inside your residence, we advise consulting with a professional like J & J Air Conditioning about which options are ideal for your family.
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 chemicals build up indoors, they may irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They might also cause headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your residence is in a rural or industrial area, an EPA study found indoor levels of these pollutants can be 2–5 times worse than the air outside your home.
Always use the manufacturer’s instructions when using paint or cleaning supplies. Unlatching a window can help vapors disappear faster.
Air purification systems can also improve your air. This unit works with your heating and cooling equipment to improve indoor air. When looking for one, check that it’s specifically made to wipe out VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can aggravate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it constantly gets recirculated by your house’s heating and cooling system. While you can vacuum more regularly and buy an improved air filter, an air filtration system may be a better match.
This unit works with your heating and cooling unit to provide powerful filtration. Some kinds provide hospital-level filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.
Lasting Odors
New homes are tightly sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your utility expenses, it’s not very good for your IAQ.
Stale odors can hang around for a greater amount of time because your home is taking in a smaller amount of fresh air. As keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t a possibility, here are two ways you can make your indoor air smell fresher.
An air purification system is installed in your ductwork to eliminate odors before they get released again. Search for one with a carbon filter and the power to wipe out damaging VOCs. These systems can also help keep your household healthy by getting rid of 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 kinds of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so call our pros for more info on which solution is best for your home.
Uneven Humidity
It’s important your house’s humidity remains balanced. Air that’s too humid can cause mold, while dry air can cause respiratory troubles.
Our experts advise 40–50% for ideal comfort. To keep yours in balance, consider installing a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your heating and cooling equipment.
Rather than having to drag a humidifier from room to room, this equipment provides consistent humidity around your residence.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It’s a byproduct of unfinished combustion in fuel-burning appliances, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It produces a severe health risk. In little concentrations, it can create flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It may be lethal in big concentrations.
We suggest regular furnace maintenance to ensure your system is running like it should. This work allows our technicians to see problems before they start, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.
The best way to keep your house free of carbon monoxide is to put in detectors. These alarms need to be on each floor near bedrooms and living spaces.
Better Your House’s Air Quality with the J & J Air Conditioning Professionals
Know that your house has inferior air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which option is a good fit for you? Give our friendly HVAC professionals a call at 254-355-3833 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and expert assistance, we’ll help you locate the ideal equipment for your home and budget.