If you’re unsure whether your The Bay Area home has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely does.

We are indoors a lot. In fact, we’re in a building up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside residences could be 2–5 times more contaminated than outdoors, which might create long-term health issues.

Most Common Causes of Poor IAQ

We’ve compiled a list of the most ordinary sources of bad IAQ, the issues they cause and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your residence, we advise talking with a professional like Contra Costa Heating & AC about which solutions are ideal for your family.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes emitted from 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 indoors, they may irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They can also cause 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 greater than the air outside your home.

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

Air purification systems can also make it better. This system partners with your heating and cooling system to improve indoor air. When seeking a model, ensure it’s specifically designed to eradicate VOCs.

Dust and Pet Dander

Dust and pet dander can trigger health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it constantly gets moved by your residence’s comfort unit. While you can vacuum more regularly and get an improved air filter, an air filtration system could be a better solution.

This solution hooks to your heating and cooling equipment to provide mighty filtration. Some types offer hospital-level filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.

Lingering Odors

Newer residences are securely sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is good for your utility costs, it’s not very good for your IAQ.

Stale odors can stay around for a greater amount of time because your home is pulling in less 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 better.

An air purification system is installed in your HVAC system to neutralize odors before they get released again. Search for one with a carbon filter and the capability to break down damaging VOCs. These units can also help keep your household healthy by getting rid of most bacteria and normal allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system takes out stale indoor air and substitutes it with clean outdoor air. There are two models of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so call our professionals for more information on which solution is best for your residence.

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 troubles.

Our experts suggest 40–50% for ideal 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 drag a humidifier from room to room, this product delivers consistent 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 units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.

It presents a serious health risk. In little levels, it can cause flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It may be deadly in heavy levels.

We recommend yearly furnace maintenance to double-check your equipment is operating like it should. This job allows our specialists to spot problems before they start, including malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.

The best approach to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to install detectors. These alarms should be on every floor close to bedrooms and living spaces.

Enhance Your Residence’s Air Quality with the Contra Costa Heating & AC Experts

Know that your home has poor air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which option is best for you? Give our approachable HVAC professionals a call at 510-343-9841 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and pro assistance, we’ll help you choose the best equipment for your home and budget.