If you’re uncertain whether your West Jefferson residence has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it possibly does.

We are indoors a lot. 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 worse than outdoors, which can create long-term health concerns.

Most Common Sources of Bad IAQ

We’ve put together a list of the most ordinary sources of poor IAQ, the problems they make and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re troubled by the air inside your residence, we advise talking with a specialist like West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. about which options are ideal for your home.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals emitted from everyday household items.

They’re found in paint and stains along with:

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

When these vapors accumulate in your home, they may irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They may 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 pollutants can be 2–5 times greater than the air outdoors.

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

Air purification systems can also improve your air. This unit partners with your heating and cooling unit to clean 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 continuously gets moved by your home’s comfort system. While you can vacuum more regularly and get an improved air filter, an air filtration system may be a better match.

This unit hooks to your heating and cooling equipment to provide strong filtration. Some kinds provide hospital-level filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.

Lingering Odors

New residences are tightly sealed to boost energy efficiency. While this is good for your heating and cooling bill, it’s not ideal 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 doable, here are two methods you can make your indoor air smell cleaner.

An air purification system is installed in your ductwork to eliminate odors before they recirculate. Find one with a carbon filter and the power to break down dangerous VOCs. These systems can also help keep your family healthy by getting rid of most bacteria and normal allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system pulls out stuffy indoor air and exchanges it with crisp outdoor air. There are two kinds of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our professionals for more information on which kind is best for your residence.

Unsteady Humidity

It’s critical your residence’s humidity remains even. Air that’s too humid can cause mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory concerns.

Our pros suggest 40–50% for ideal comfort. To keep yours in balance, think about getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your heating and cooling system.

Instead of having to drag a humidifier from room to room, this equipment delivers consistent humidity around your house.

Carbon Monoxide

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

It presents an extreme health risk. In little levels, it can lead to flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It could be lethal in big amounts.

We advise regular furnace maintenance to make sure your equipment is running like it should. This service allows our professionals to see issues before they start, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.

The best way to keep your residence free of carbon monoxide is to put in detectors. These alarms need to be on all floors close to bedrooms and living areas.

Enhance Your Home’s Air Quality with the West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. Experts

Know that your house has inferior air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which solution is best for you? Give our approachable HVAC pros a call at 614-879-9091 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and expert service, we’ll help you find the ideal equipment for your family and budget.