If you’re uncertain whether your Monroe residence has unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ), it possibly does.
We are indoors a lot. In fact, we’re indoors 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 create long-term health problems.
Most Common Causes of Unsatisfactory IAQ
We’ve put together a list of the most common origins of inferior IAQ, the issues they create and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your residence, we advise chatting with a pro like Lanz Furnace and Fireplace about which solutions are best for your home.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals leaked by everyday household products.
They’re found in paint and stains in addition to:
- 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 can also lead to headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your house is in a rural or industrial area, an EPA study found indoor levels of these chemicals can be 2–5 times greater than the air outdoors.
Always use the manufacturer’s directions when using paint or cleaning supplies. Unlatching a window can help fumes disappear faster.
Air purification systems can also make it better. This system partners with your heating and cooling equipment to clean indoor air. When seeking a system, ensure it’s specifically designed to eliminate 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 residence’s comfort equipment. While you can vacuum more regularly and buy an improved air filter, an air filtration system could be a better solution.
This unit hooks to your heating and cooling equipment to deliver mighty filtration. Some kinds have hospital-level filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.
Persistent Odors
Modern homes are securely sealed to boost energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your utility expenses, it’s not so good for your IAQ.
Stale odors can stick around for a greater amount of time because your house is pulling in a smaller amount of fresh air. As keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t a possibility, here are two approaches you can make your indoor air smell better.
An air purification system is placed in your ducts to wipe out odors before they are redistributed. Search for one with a carbon filter and the ability to break down dangerous VOCs. These units can also help keep your loved ones healthy by eliminating most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system takes out stuffy indoor air and replaces it with clean outdoor air. There are two types of systems (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our professionals for more info on which kind is right for your residence.
Uneven Humidity
It’s essential your house’s humidity stays even. Air that’s too humid can create mold, while dry air can create respiratory issues.
Our techs suggest 40–50% for ideal comfort. To keep yours steady, think over getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your comfort equipment.
Instead of having to pull a humidifier from room to room, this equipment delivers balanced humidity across your house.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It occurs when there’s insufficient combustion in fuel-burning appliances, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It causes a severe health risk. In low levels, it can create flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It can be lethal in big levels.
We recommend regular furnace maintenance to double-check your equipment is operating properly. This job allows our specialists to discover troubles before they start, including malfunctions that can cause carbon monoxide leaks.
The best method to keep your house free of carbon monoxide is to install detectors. These alarms must be on each floor close to bedrooms and living rooms.
Better Your Home’s Air Quality with the Lanz Furnace and Fireplace Pros
Informed that your house has inferior air quality but not sure how to enhance it? Or unsure which solution is a good fit for you? Give our friendly HVAC specialists a call at 608-291-3606 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and expert service, we’ll help you choose the ideal equipment for your home and budget.