If you’re questioning whether your Genoa home has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it probably 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 houses could be 2–5 times worse than outdoors, which might create long-term health problems.

Most Common Origins of Poor IAQ

We’ve compiled a list of the most common causes of bad IAQ, the problems they make and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your home, we recommend consulting with a pro like Assured Appliance & Heating & Air about which products are ideal for your house.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes leaked by common household things.

They’re found in paint and stains along with:

  • Furniture
  • Carpet
  • Building materials
  • Cleaning products
  • Cosmetics
  • Air fresheners
  • Candles

When these fumes accumulate inside, they might 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 location, an EPA study found indoor levels of these pollutants can be 2–5 times higher than the air outside your home.

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

Air purification systems can also better your air. This system partners with your heating and cooling unit to clean indoor air. When looking for one, ensure it’s specifically made to eradicate 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 equipment. While you can vacuum more routinely and get an improved air filter, an air filtration system could be a better fit.

This unit hooks to your heating and cooling equipment to provide mighty filtration. Some models provide hospital-level filtration for eliminating particles and bioaerosols.

Persistent Odors

Modern homes are securely sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is great for your energy expenses, it’s not ideal for your IAQ.

Stale odors can stay around for a greater amount of time as your home is pulling in reduced fresh air. As keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t an option, here are two ways you can make your indoor air smell fresher.

An air purification system is placed in your ducts to eliminate odors before they are redistributed. Search for one with a carbon filter and the capability to wipe out harmful VOCs. These units can also help keep your household healthy by eliminating most bacteria and ordinary 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 models of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our professionals for more info on which type is best for your home.

Unsteady Humidity

It’s essential your home’s humidity keeps even. Air that’s too moist can cause mold, while dry air can create respiratory symptoms.

Our pros suggest 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours in balance, think about getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your comfort unit.

Instead of having to pull a humidifier from room to room, this equipment delivers even humidity around 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 produces an extreme health risk. In small levels, it can lead to flu-like sickness like headaches and nausea. It could be lethal in big concentrations.

We recommend regular furnace maintenance to make sure your unit is operating properly. This job allows our pros to spot problems before they begin, including malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.

The best way to keep your residence free of carbon monoxide is to install detectors. These alarms must be on all floors close to bedrooms and living spaces.

Improve Your Residence’s Air Quality with the Assured Appliance & Heating & Air Professionals

Informed that your home has poor air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which solution is right for you? Give our friendly HVAC experts a call at 847-306-8990 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and professional support, we’ll help you locate the right equipment for your family and budget.