If you’re unsure whether your Genoa home has unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely does.

We are indoors a lot. 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 homes could be 2–5 times worse than outdoors, which could create long-term health problems.

Most Common Causes of Unsatisfactory IAQ

We’ve compiled a list of the most ordinary causes of inferior IAQ, the issues they create and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your residence, we advise chatting with a expert like Assured Appliance & Heating & Air about which solutions are best for your family.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals released by 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 vapors accumulate inside, they can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They may also lead to headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your residence is in a rural or industrial location, an EPA study found indoor levels of these fumes can be 2–5 times higher than the air outside.

Always follow the manufacturer’s directions when applying paint or spraying cleaning products. Cracking a window can help chemicals disappear faster.

Air purification systems can also improve your air. This unit partners with your heating and cooling equipment to enhance indoor air. When looking for a system, ensure it’s specifically made to wipe out VOCs.

Dust and Pet Dander

Dust and pet dander can irritate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it constantly gets redistributed by your residence’s comfort equipment. 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 heating and cooling equipment to give mighty filtration. Some types have hospital-level filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.

Lingering Odors

Modern houses are closely sealed to boost energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your utility bill, it’s not very good for your IAQ.

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

An air purification system is put in your ducts to neutralize odors before they are redistributed. Find one with a carbon filter and the ability to eliminate harmful VOCs. These systems can also help keep your family healthy by getting rid of most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system removes stale indoor air and replaces it with clean outdoor air. There are two kinds of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our professionals for more info on which type is ideal for your residence.

Uneven Humidity

It’s critical your house’s humidity stays even. Air that’s too humid can lead to mold, while dry air can create respiratory symptoms.

Our techs suggest 40–50% for top comfort. To keep yours even, think about getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your HVAC unit.

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

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It occurs when there’s insufficient combustion in fuel-burning equipment, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.

It creates an extreme health risk. In low levels, it can create flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It could be fatal in big amounts.

We advise regular furnace maintenance to make sure your system is running smoothly. This work allows our techs to discover issues before they begin, including malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.

The best method to keep your residence free of carbon monoxide is to install detectors. These alarms must be on each floor close to bedrooms and living areas.

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

Aware that your house has bad air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which product is ideal for you? Give our friendly HVAC pros a call at 847-306-8990 or contact us online today. With free estimates and professional support, we’ll help you choose the right solution for your family and budget.