If you’re uncertain whether your West Columbia house has unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ), it possibly 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 homes could be 2–5 times more contaminated than outdoors, which might create long-term health concerns.
Most Common Sources of Poor IAQ
We’ve put together a list of the most common origins of poor IAQ, the issues they cause and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your house, we suggest consulting with a specialist like Tri City Fuel & Heating Co., Inc. about which products are a good fit for your home.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes leaked by common 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 build up 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 area, an EPA study found indoor levels of these fumes can be 2–5 times greater than the air outside your home.
Always use the manufacturer’s instructions when applying paint or spraying cleaning products. Unlatching a window can help odors disappear more quickly.
Air purification systems can also make it better. This system collaborates with your heating and cooling equipment to clean indoor air. When looking for one, check that it’s specifically designed to wipe out VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can trigger health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continually gets redistributed by your residence’s HVAC equipment. While you can vacuum more routinely and install an enhanced air filter, an air filtration system may be a better fit.
This unit hooks to your comfort system to deliver mighty filtration. Some models have hospital-level filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.
Lasting Odors
Modern homes are closely sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is good for your heating and cooling bill, it’s not so good for your IAQ.
Stuffy odors can stick around for a greater amount of time as your home is drawing in a smaller amount of fresh air. Because keeping your windows open all the time isn’t an option, here are two methods you can make your indoor air smell better.
An air purification system is placed in your HVAC system to neutralize odors before they are redistributed. Search for one with a carbon filter and the capability to break down harmful VOCs. These systems can also help keep your household healthy by eliminating most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system removes stale indoor air and substitutes it with fresh outdoor air. There are two kinds of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so call our specialists for more information on which type is best for your home.
Unbalanced Humidity
It’s important your home’s humidity stays balanced. Air that’s too moist can lead to mold, while dry air can cause respiratory troubles.
Our professionals recommend 40–50% for top comfort. To keep yours steady, think over buying a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your heating and cooling equipment.
In place of having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this solution gives balanced humidity throughout your home.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is gas you can’t see or smell. It’s caused by insufficient combustion in fuel-burning equipment, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It creates a serious health risk. In low amounts, it can create flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It could be deadly in large concentrations.
We recommend yearly furnace maintenance to make sure your unit is operating smoothly. This service allows our specialists to find troubles before they get bigger, including malfunctions that can cause carbon monoxide leaks.
The best way to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to install detectors. These alarms need to be on every floor by bedrooms and living rooms.
Improve Your House’s Air Quality with the Tri City Fuel & Heating Co., Inc. Specialists
Know that your house has inferior air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which option is ideal for you? Give our friendly HVAC specialists a call at 803-265-4208 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and expert assistance, we’ll help you choose the best solution for your needs and budget.