If you’re uncertain whether your Rockford home has poor indoor air quality (IAQ), it possibly does.
We spend a lot of time inside. In fact, we’re in a building up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside residences can be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoors, which might lead to long-term health issues.
Most Common Origins of Bad IAQ
We’ve compiled a list of the most frequent causes 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 home, we advise chatting with a professional like Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling, Inc about which options are ideal for your home.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes emitted from common 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 indoors, they may irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They can also cause headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your home is in a rural or industrial location, an EPA study found indoor levels of these fumes can be 2–5 times higher than the air outside your home.
Always use the manufacturer’s directions when using paint or cleaning supplies. Opening a window can help fumes dissipate faster.
Air purification systems can also improve your air. This system collaborates with your heating and cooling equipment to freshen indoor air. When looking for one, check that it’s specifically created to eliminate VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can aggravate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it constantly gets redistributed by your house’s comfort system. While you can vacuum more routinely and get an improved air filter, an air filtration system could be a better solution.
This solution hooks to your heating and cooling equipment to provide mighty filtration. Some types provide hospital-quality filtration for eliminating particles and bioaerosols.
Persistent Odors
Modern residences are tightly sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is great for your utility expenses, it’s not very good for your IAQ.
Musty odors can stay around for an extended amount of time as your residence is taking in less fresh air. Since keeping your windows open all the time isn’t a possibility, here are two ways you can make your indoor air smell cleaner.
An air purification system is placed in your HVAC system to eliminate odors before they get released again. Look for one with a carbon filter and the capability to eliminate damaging VOCs. These systems 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 stuffy indoor air and replaces it with crisp outdoor air. There are two models of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our specialists for more info on which kind is ideal for your residence.
Unbalanced Humidity
It’s essential your home’s humidity remains steady. Air that has too much moisture can cause mold, while dry air can cause respiratory issues.
Our specialists suggest 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours in balance, think over buying a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your heating and cooling unit.
Instead of having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this equipment provides even humidity around your home.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is clear gas you can’t smell. It occurs when there’s incomplete combustion in fuel-burning units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It poses a severe health risk. In little concentrations, it can create flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It can be fatal in big amounts.
We advise yearly furnace maintenance to make sure your equipment is operating smoothly. This service allows our pros to find troubles before they begin, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.
The best way to keep your residence free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms should be on all floors near bedrooms and living spaces.
Enhance Your House’s Air Quality with the Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling, Inc Experts
Aware that your house has inferior air quality but not sure how to enhance it? Or unsure which product is right for you? Give our approachable HVAC experts a call at (815)914-6197 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and professional service, we’ll help you locate the right equipment for your family and budget.