If you’re unsure whether your Cambridge home has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely does.
We are indoors a lot. As a matter of fact, we’re inside 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 result in long-term health problems.
Most Common Origins of Unsatisfactory IAQ
We’ve compiled a list of the most common sources of inferior IAQ, the issues they make and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your house, we advise consulting with a specialist like Pliescott HVAC Services LLC about which products are ideal for your family.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes emitted from regular household products.
They’re found in paint and stains in addition to:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these chemicals accumulate in your home, they may irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They may also result in headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your house is in a rural or industrial area, an EPA study found indoor levels of these fumes can be 2–5 times worse than the air outdoors.
Always adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions when using paint or cleaning supplies. Cracking a window can help vapors dissipate faster.
Air purification systems can also better your air. This system works with your heating and cooling system to enhance indoor air. When looking for a system, check that it’s specifically created to eliminate 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 home’s heating and cooling system. While you can vacuum more frequently and get a better air filter, an air filtration system may be a better fit.
This solution hooks to your HVAC unit to provide strong filtration. Some types offer hospital-level filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.
Persistent Odors
New residences are tightly sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is great for your utility expenses, it’s not very good for your IAQ.
Stuffy odors can stick around for an extended amount of time because your residence is taking in a smaller amount of fresh air. Since keeping your windows open all the time isn’t a possibility, here are two approaches you can make your indoor air smell cleaner.
An air purification system is installed in your ducts to wipe out odors before they are redistributed. Look for one with a carbon filter and the ability to wipe out harmful VOCs. These units can also help keep your household healthy by wiping out most bacteria and ordinary allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system removes stale indoor air and substitutes it with clean outdoor air. There are two models of units (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our specialists for more details on which solution is ideal for your house.
Unsteady Humidity
It’s essential your home’s humidity stays balanced. Air that has too much moisture can create mold, while dry air can cause respiratory symptoms.
Our specialists suggest 40–50% for top comfort. To keep yours steady, think over getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your HVAC equipment.
In place of having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this product delivers even humidity throughout your home.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It’s a byproduct of insufficient combustion in fuel-burning equipment, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It poses a serious health risk. In low concentrations, it can create flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It may be lethal in heavy amounts.
We suggest regular furnace maintenance to make sure your equipment is running like it should. This job allows our pros to spot troubles before they get bigger, including malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.
The best method to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to install detectors. These alarms must be on each floor close to bedrooms and living rooms.
Better Your Home’s Air Quality with the Pliescott HVAC Services LLC Specialists
Aware that your home has inferior air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which solution is best for you? Give our approachable HVAC specialists a call at 410-228-4822 or contact us online now. With free estimates and expert assistance, we’ll help you choose the right equipment for your needs and budget.