If you’re uncertain whether your Monroe residence has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely 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 homes could be 2–5 times more contaminated than outdoors, which can create long-term health issues.

Most Common Origins of Bad IAQ

We’ve made a list of the most frequent sources of bad IAQ, the problems they create and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your home, we recommend consulting with a professional like Lanz Furnace and Fireplace about which options are best for your house.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are vapors leaked by common household items.

They’re found in paint and stains in addition to:

  • Furniture
  • Carpet
  • Building materials
  • Cleaning products
  • Cosmetics
  • Air fresheners
  • Candles

When these fumes accumulate indoors, they can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They might also cause headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your house is in a rural or industrial space, an EPA study found indoor levels of these fumes can be 2–5 times higher than the air outdoors.

Always use the manufacturer’s instructions when using paint or cleaning supplies. Cracking a window can help fumes disappear faster.

Air purification systems can also better your air. This equipment partners with your heating and cooling unit to improve indoor air. When seeking a system, ensure it’s specifically made to eliminate VOCs.

Dust and Pet Dander

Dust and pet dander can trigger health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it constantly gets moved by your house’s comfort unit. While you can vacuum more routinely and install an improved air filter, an air filtration system might be a better match.

This solution hooks to your comfort equipment to give mighty filtration. Some types have hospital-level filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.

Persistent Odors

Newer houses are securely sealed to boost energy efficiency. While this is great for your energy costs, it’s not so good for your IAQ.

Stale odors can stick around for a greater amount of time since your home is pulling in a smaller amount of fresh air. As keeping your windows open all the time isn’t an option, here are two ways you can make your indoor air smell better.

An air purification system is installed in your HVAC system to wipe out odors before they get released again. Search for one with a carbon filter and the capability to wipe out dangerous VOCs. These units can also help keep your household healthy by getting rid of most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system removes stuffy indoor air and exchanges it with fresh outdoor air. There are two kinds of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our professionals for more details on which solution is right for your residence.

Uneven Humidity

It’s critical your house’s humidity stays even. Air that’s too humid can create mold, while dry air can cause respiratory concerns.

Our technicians suggest 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours steady, consider getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your heating and cooling system.

In place of having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this product delivers even humidity throughout your house.

Carbon Monoxide

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

It causes a severe health risk. In little levels, it can cause flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It can be fatal in heavy levels.

We suggest yearly furnace maintenance to ensure your equipment is operating like it should. This work allows our technicians to pinpoint problems before they start, including malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.

The best method to keep your residence free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms must be on all floors near bedrooms and living areas.

Better Your House’s Air Quality with the Lanz Furnace and Fireplace Pros

Informed that your house has poor air quality but not sure how to enhance it? Or unsure which option is right for you? Give our approachable HVAC experts a call at 608-291-3606 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and pro service, we’ll help you locate the best option for your needs and budget.