If you’re questioning whether your West Columbia residence has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely does.

We are indoors a lot. In reality, we’re in a building 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 issues.

Most Common Causes of Unsatisfactory IAQ

We’ve compiled a list of the most ordinary sources of inferior IAQ, the issues they cause and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your house, we suggest talking with a expert like Tri City Fuel & Heating about which solutions are best for your house.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals released by common 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 inside, they might irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They may also result in 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 greater than the air outdoors.

Always use the manufacturer’s directions when using paint or cleaning supplies. Opening a window can help vapors disappear faster.

Air purification systems can also better your air. This unit partners with your heating and cooling unit to improve indoor air. When looking for one, 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 redistributed by your residence’s comfort system. While you can vacuum more routinely and buy an improved air filter, an air filtration system could be a better solution.

This equipment hooks to your comfort equipment to provide powerful filtration. Some models offer hospital-level filtration for eliminating particles and bioaerosols.

Lingering Odors

Modern homes are securely sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is good for your heating and cooling costs, it’s not very good for your IAQ.

Stale odors can hang around for a greater amount of time since your house is pulling in a smaller amount of fresh air. As keeping your windows open all year-round isn’t an option, here are two ways you can make your indoor air smell cleaner.

An air purification system is put in your HVAC system to wipe out odors before they get released again. Look for one with a carbon filter and the capability to break down damaging VOCs. These systems can also help keep your household healthy by wiping out most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system takes out musty indoor air and replaces it with clean outdoor air. There are two kinds of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our professionals for more details on which kind is ideal for your home.

Unsteady Humidity

It’s important your residence’s humidity stays even. Air that’s too moist can create mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory issues.

Our pros suggest 40–50% for top comfort. To keep yours steady, think over getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your heating and cooling equipment.

Instead of having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this equipment delivers even humidity across your house.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It’s a byproduct of insufficient combustion in fuel-burning appliances, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.

It causes a severe health risk. In low levels, it can lead to flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It can be fatal in large levels.

We suggest yearly furnace maintenance to ensure your unit is working like it should. This work allows our specialists to see troubles before they start, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.

The best method to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms should be on all floors by bedrooms and living spaces.

Better Your Home’s Air Quality with the Tri City Fuel & Heating Experts

Informed that your home has poor air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which solution is best for you? Give our approachable HVAC pros a call at 803-265-4208 or contact us online now. With free estimates and pro support, we’ll help you choose the right option for your home and budget.