If you’re questioning whether your Genoa residence 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 houses could be 2–5 times worse than outdoors, which might create long-term health problems.

Most Common Sources of Bad IAQ

We’ve made a list of the most ordinary origins of inferior IAQ, the issues they create and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your residence, we advise talking with a pro like Assured Appliance & Heating & Air about which solutions are ideal for your home.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals emitted from everyday household products.

They’re found in paint and stains along with:

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

When these fumes accumulate indoors, they can 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 chemicals can be 2–5 times greater than the air outdoors.

Always use the manufacturer’s directions when painting or cleaning. Cracking a window can help chemicals dissipate faster.

Air purification systems can also make it better. This equipment partners with your heating and cooling unit to enhance indoor air. When looking for one, ensure it’s specifically made to eliminate VOCs.

Dust and Pet Dander

Dust and pet dander can trigger health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continuously gets recirculated by your home’s comfort equipment. While you can vacuum more regularly and get an improved air filter, an air filtration system could be a better fit.

This unit hooks to your comfort equipment to deliver powerful filtration. Some types offer hospital-level filtration for eliminating particles and bioaerosols.

Persistent Odors

Modern homes are tightly sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is great for your heating and cooling bill, it’s not ideal for your IAQ.

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

An air purification system is put in your ducts to wipe out odors before they are redistributed. Search 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 eliminating most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system takes out stuffy indoor air and replaces it with clean outdoor air. There are two kinds of units (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our professionals for more information on which solution is ideal for your house.

Uneven Humidity

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

Our experts suggest 40–50% for ideal comfort. To keep yours steady, think over getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your heating and cooling system.

Rather than having to pull a humidifier from room to room, this solution delivers even humidity around your house.

Carbon Monoxide

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

It poses a serious health risk. In small levels, it can lead to flu-like sickness like headaches and nausea. It may be deadly in big concentrations.

We suggest yearly furnace maintenance to make sure your system is working smoothly. This work allows our specialists to pinpoint troubles before they begin, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.

The best approach to keep your house free of carbon monoxide is to put in detectors. These alarms must be on all floors close to bedrooms and living areas.

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

Know that your house has poor air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which solution is ideal for you? Give our kind HVAC experts a call at 847-306-8990 or contact us online today. With free estimates and professional assistance, we’ll help you find the best option for your needs and budget.