If you’re uncertain whether your the Bay Area residence has poor indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely does.
We spend a lot of time inside. As a matter of 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 polluted than outdoors, which can create long-term health issues.
Most Common Sources of Unsatisfactory IAQ
We’ve made a list of the most ordinary sources of inferior IAQ, the issues they make and how you can take care of these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your residence, we recommend talking with a specialist like Contra Costa Heating & AC about which solutions are ideal for your family.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes leaked by common household items.
They’re found in paint and stains along with:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these vapors build up indoors, they might irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They can also result in headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your home is in a rural or industrial space, an EPA study found indoor levels of these pollutants can be 2–5 times higher than the air outside.
Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when using paint or cleaning supplies. Unlatching a window can help fumes disappear more rapidly.
Air purification systems can also improve your air. This unit works with your heating and cooling equipment to clean indoor air. When looking for a model, check that it’s specifically designed to eliminate VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can irritate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continuously gets redistributed by your house’s heating and cooling system. While you can vacuum more routinely and get an improved air filter, an air filtration system might be a better match.
This equipment hooks to your heating and cooling unit to provide mighty filtration. Some types provide hospital-grade filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.
Lingering Odors
New houses are closely sealed to boost energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your utility expenses, it’s not so good for your IAQ.
Stale odors can hang around longer because your house is drawing in reduced fresh air. As keeping your windows open all the time isn’t an option, here are two approaches you can make your indoor air smell cleaner.
An air purification system is put in your HVAC system 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 loved ones healthy by wiping out most bacteria and normal allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system removes stale indoor air and exchanges it with clean outdoor air. There are two kinds of units (heat recovery and energy recovery), so call our techs for more information on which type is ideal for your house.
Unbalanced Humidity
It’s important your house’s humidity stays steady. Air that’s too moist can lead to mold, while dry air can cause respiratory issues.
Our techs suggest 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours even, consider 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 solution delivers consistent humidity around your house.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is clear gas you can’t smell. It’s a byproduct of unfinished combustion in fuel-burning appliances, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It poses a serious health risk. In small amounts, it can create flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It could be fatal in heavy concentrations.
We recommend yearly furnace maintenance to make sure your unit is operating smoothly. This service allows our pros to pinpoint troubles before they start, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.
The best approach to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms need to be on every floor near bedrooms and living areas.
Enhance Your House’s Air Quality with the Contra Costa Heating & AC Pros
Know that your house has inferior air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which solution is right for you? Give our friendly HVAC specialists a call at 510-343-9841 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and pro service, we’ll help you choose the right equipment for your family and budget.