If you’re unsure whether your Columbus house has poor indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely does.
We spend much of our time indoors. As a matter of 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 polluted than outdoors, which can lead to long-term health problems.
Most Common Sources of Unsatisfactory IAQ
We’ve put together a list of the most ordinary causes of inferior IAQ, the troubles they make and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your house, we recommend consulting with a pro like Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling about which options are best for your family.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals leaked by everyday household items.
They’re found in paint and stains in addition to:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these vapors accumulate indoors, they might irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They might also result in headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your house is in a rural or industrial space, an EPA study found indoor levels of these pollutants can be 2–5 times higher than the air outside your home.
Always use the manufacturer’s instructions when using paint or cleaning supplies. Unlatching a window can help odors disperse more quickly.
Air purification systems can also help. This system partners with your heating and cooling unit to freshen indoor air. When seeking a system, make sure it’s specifically made to eradicate VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can trigger health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it constantly gets recirculated by your home’s comfort equipment. While you can vacuum more regularly and get an improved air filter, an air filtration system could be a better solution.
This equipment works with your HVAC equipment to deliver powerful filtration. Some types provide hospital-quality filtration for eliminating particles and bioaerosols.
Lingering Odors
Modern homes are securely sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is good for your heating and cooling costs, it’s not ideal for your IAQ.
Stale odors can stay around longer as your home is pulling in less fresh air. Because keeping your windows open all the time isn’t doable, here are two approaches you can make your indoor air smell cleaner.
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 ability to wipe out dangerous VOCs. These systems can also help keep your loved ones healthy by wiping out most bacteria and normal allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system removes musty indoor air and replaces it with fresh outdoor air. There are two kinds of units (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our experts for more details on which solution is right for your home.
Uneven Humidity
It’s critical your residence’s humidity remains balanced. Air that’s too moist can cause mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory troubles.
Our experts recommend 40–50% for ideal comfort. To keep yours steady, think about getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your comfort unit.
Rather than having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this product delivers balanced humidity around your house.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It occurs when there’s insufficient combustion in fuel-burning equipment, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It poses a serious health risk. In small amounts, it can create flu-like sickness like headaches and nausea. It could be fatal in large levels.
We recommend annual furnace maintenance to make sure your equipment is working smoothly. This job allows our specialists to find problems before they begin, including malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.
The best method to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms need to be on each floor close to bedrooms and living rooms.
Improve Your Home’s Air Quality with the Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling Specialists
Informed that your residence has poor air quality but not sure how to enhance it? Or unsure which product is right for you? Give our friendly HVAC pros a call at 614-451-0846 or contact us online now. With free estimates and expert support, we’ll help you find the best option for your family and budget.