If you’re unsure whether your Auburn and Opelika house has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely does.
We spend a lot of time inside. In fact, we’re inside up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside houses may be 2–5 times worse than outdoors, which can create long-term health issues.
Most Common Origins of Unsatisfactory IAQ
We’ve compiled a list of the most frequent sources of inferior IAQ, the troubles they create and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re troubled by the air inside your home, we suggest consulting with a specialist like Farnell Mechanical, Inc. about which options are a good fit for your family.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals released 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 fumes collect inside, they can 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 chemicals can be 2–5 times worse than the air outside your home.
Always adhere to the manufacturer’s directions when using paint or cleaning supplies. Cracking a window can help fumes dissipate faster.
Air purification systems can also improve your air. This equipment collaborates with your heating and cooling unit to enhance indoor air. When hunting for one, make sure it’s specifically created to eradicate VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can trigger health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continually gets recirculated by your home’s HVAC equipment. While you can vacuum more regularly and buy an improved air filter, an air filtration system might be a better fit.
This equipment works with your HVAC system to deliver powerful filtration. Some kinds provide hospital-grade filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.
Lingering Odors
New houses are securely sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your energy costs, it’s not very good for your IAQ.
Musty odors can stick around longer because your house is pulling in less fresh air. As keeping your windows open all year round isn’t a possibility, here are two ways you can make your indoor air smell cleaner.
An air purification system is placed in your ductwork to wipe out odors before they are redistributed. Look for one with a carbon filter and the power to wipe out harmful VOCs. These systems can also help keep your family healthy by wiping out most bacteria and normal 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 types of systems (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our techs for more info on which kind is right for your home.
Uneven Humidity
It’s critical your home’s humidity remains even. Air that’s too moist can cause mold, while dry air can cause respiratory concerns.
Our technicians recommend 40–50% for top comfort. To keep yours even, consider getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your comfort system.
Instead of having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this equipment provides even humidity around your home.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is gas you can’t see or smell. It’s caused by 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 cause flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It may be fatal in big levels.
We recommend regular furnace maintenance to ensure your system is operating smoothly. This work allows our technicians to see issues before they get bigger, including malfunctions that can cause carbon monoxide leaks.
The best way to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to put in detectors. These alarms should be on all floors by bedrooms and living spaces.
Improve Your House’s Air Quality with the Farnell Mechanical, Inc. Experts
Know that your residence has inferior air quality but not sure how to enhance it? Or unsure which option is right for you? Give our kind HVAC pros a call at 334-524-2458 or contact us online today. With free estimates and expert service, we’ll help you locate the ideal option for your home and budget.