If you’re unsure whether your Jefferson City residence has unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ), it probably 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 houses may be 2–5 times worse than outdoors, which might create long-term health problems.
Most Common Sources of Bad IAQ
We’ve made a list of the most frequent sources of bad IAQ, the issues they cause and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your residence, we recommend chatting with a specialist like Stieferman Heating Company Inc about which options are best for your house.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals leaked by everyday household items.
They’re found in paint and stains as well as:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these fumes build up inside, they might irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They might also lead to headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your residence is in a rural or industrial location, an EPA study found indoor levels of these chemicals can be 2–5 times higher than the air outdoors.
Always use the manufacturer’s guidelines when applying paint or spraying cleaning products. Cracking a window can help odors disappear faster.
Air purification systems can also improve your air. This equipment partners with your heating and cooling system to enhance indoor air. When seeking one, check that it’s specifically made to wipe out VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can irritate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it constantly gets moved by your home’s HVAC equipment. While you can vacuum more regularly and get an enhanced air filter, an air filtration system may be a better solution.
This unit connects with your HVAC system to deliver powerful filtration. Some types have hospital-level filtration for eliminating particles and bioaerosols.
Lasting Odors
Modern houses are tightly sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is good for your energy costs, it’s not very good for your IAQ.
Stuffy odors can stay around for a greater amount of time as your house is taking in a smaller amount of fresh air. Because keeping your windows open all the time isn’t a possibility, here are two methods you can make your indoor air smell better.
An air purification system is placed in your ducts to neutralize odors before they get released again. Search for one with a carbon filter and the power to break down harmful VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your household healthy by eliminating most bacteria and ordinary allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system pulls out stuffy indoor air and substitutes it with crisp outdoor air. There are two models of systems (heat recovery and energy recovery), so call our technicians for more info on which solution is best for your residence.
Unsteady Humidity
It’s essential your residence’s humidity remains even. Air that’s too humid can create mold, while dry air can cause respiratory symptoms.
Our professionals recommend 40–50% for top comfort. To keep yours even, think about getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your heating and cooling equipment.
Rather than having to pull a humidifier from room to room, this solution delivers even humidity around your home.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It’s a byproduct of unfinished combustion in fuel-burning appliances, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It presents a severe health risk. In low levels, it can lead to flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It can be deadly in large concentrations.
We recommend annual furnace maintenance to make sure your equipment is running properly. This service allows our specialists to see problems before they start, including malfunctions that can cause carbon monoxide leaks.
The best way to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to put in detectors. These alarms need to be on all floors close to bedrooms and living areas.
Improve Your House’s Air Quality with the Stieferman Heating Company Inc Experts
Informed that your residence has bad air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which product is ideal for you? Give our friendly HVAC specialists a call at 573-635-3547 or contact us online now. With free estimates and expert assistance, we’ll help you locate the ideal option for your needs and budget.