If you’re uncertain whether your Newark residence has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it probably does.
We spend much of our time indoors. As a matter of fact, we’re indoors up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside houses could be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoors, which might create long-term health problems.
Most Common Causes of Bad IAQ
We’ve put together a list of the most common sources of bad IAQ, the issues they cause and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your home, we advise consulting with a expert like Luikart Heating & Cooling about which products are a good fit for your family.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are vapors leaked by everyday household products.
They’re found in paint and stains as well as:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these vapors accumulate in your home, they might irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They may also lead to headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your home is in a rural or industrial space, an EPA study found indoor levels of these fumes can be 2–5 times higher than the air outdoors.
Always use the manufacturer’s directions when applying paint or spraying cleaning products. Cracking a window can help odors disperse faster.
Air purification systems can also help. This unit works with your heating and cooling unit to enhance indoor air. When looking for one, make sure it’s specifically made to wipe out 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 frequently and get an improved air filter, an air filtration system might be a better match.
This unit hooks to your heating and cooling equipment to provide strong filtration. Some types provide hospital-grade filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.
Lasting Odors
Newer residences are securely sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your utility bill, it’s not very good for your IAQ.
Stale odors can hang around for a greater amount of time since your residence is pulling in less fresh air. As keeping your windows open all the time isn’t a possibility, here are two ways you can make your indoor air smell fresher.
An air purification system is put in your ductwork to neutralize odors before they get released again. Look for one with a carbon filter and the power to break down harmful VOCs. These systems can also help keep your loved ones healthy by wiping out most bacteria and ordinary allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system pulls out stuffy indoor air and substitutes it with fresh outdoor air. There are two types of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our professionals for more information on which kind is best for your house.
Uneven Humidity
It’s critical your house’s humidity stays even. Air that’s too humid can cause mold, while dry air can cause respiratory issues.
Our technicians recommend 40–50% for ideal comfort. To keep yours in balance, consider getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your HVAC system.
In place of having to pull a humidifier from room to room, this product gives balanced humidity around your home.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is colorless 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 creates a severe health risk. In small concentrations, it can create flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It may be fatal in large levels.
We advise yearly furnace maintenance to double-check your unit is operating like it should. This work allows our specialists to find issues before they start, including malfunctions that can cause carbon monoxide leaks.
The best way to keep your house free of carbon monoxide is to put in detectors. These alarms must be on each floor near bedrooms and living rooms.
Better Your Residence’s Air Quality with the Luikart Heating & Cooling Professionals
Aware that your home has poor air quality but not sure how to enhance it? Or unsure which option is ideal for you? Give our friendly HVAC pros a call at 740-200-5591 or contact us online now. With free estimates and pro support, we’ll help you find the ideal option for your needs and budget.