If you’re questioning whether your Monroe home has poor 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 residences could be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoors, which can create long-term health issues.

Most Common Causes of Bad IAQ

We’ve compiled a list of the most common causes of inferior IAQ, the troubles they make and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your home, we advise consulting with a specialist like Lanz Furnace and Fireplace about which solutions are best for your house.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are vapors emitted from everyday household products.

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 might irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They may also result in headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your residence is in a rural or industrial location, an EPA study found indoor levels of these fumes can be 2–5 times worse than the air outside your home.

Always use the manufacturer’s guidelines when using paint or cleaning supplies. Cracking a window can help chemicals disperse faster.

Air purification systems can also make it better. This system partners with your heating and cooling system to enhance indoor air. When hunting for one, ensure it’s specifically created to eliminate VOCs.

Dust and Pet Dander

Dust and pet dander can irritate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continually gets redistributed by your residence’s comfort unit. While you can vacuum more regularly and install an improved air filter, an air filtration system may be a better fit.

This equipment hooks to your heating and cooling equipment to deliver mighty filtration. Some types offer hospital-level filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.

Lasting Odors

Newer residences are closely sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is good for your heating and cooling expenses, it’s not very good for your IAQ.

Stuffy odors can stay around for a greater amount of time because your residence is pulling in less fresh air. Because 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 installed in your HVAC system to wipe out odors before they recirculate. Search for one with a carbon filter and the capability to eliminate dangerous VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your loved ones healthy by wiping out most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system removes musty indoor air and exchanges it with crisp outdoor air. There are two types of systems (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our professionals for more information on which type is right for your residence.

Uneven Humidity

It’s essential your residence’s humidity stays even. Air that’s too moist can lead to mold, while dry air can create respiratory concerns.

Our pros suggest 40–50% for ideal comfort. To keep yours steady, consider getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your comfort equipment.

Instead of having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this equipment delivers even humidity throughout your house.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It’s a byproduct of insufficient combustion in fuel-burning units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.

It causes a serious health risk. In low levels, it can cause flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It could be lethal in large amounts.

We advise annual furnace maintenance to ensure your equipment is working like it should. This work allows our professionals to discover problems before they get bigger, including malfunctions that can cause carbon monoxide leaks.

The best method to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to put in detectors. These alarms should be on each floor near bedrooms and living rooms.

Improve Your Residence’s Air Quality with the Lanz Furnace and Fireplace Professionals

Aware that your house has poor air quality but not sure how to enhance it? Or unsure which solution is right for you? Give our approachable HVAC pros a call at 608-291-3606 or contact us online today. With free estimates and professional assistance, we’ll help you find the best equipment for your home and budget.