If you’re uncertain whether your Marshfield residence has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it probably 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 homes could be 2–5 times worse than outdoors, which could create long-term health issues.

Most Common Origins of Unsatisfactory IAQ

We’ve made a list of the most frequent origins of poor IAQ, the troubles they create and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your home, we advise talking with a pro like House of Heating Incorporated about which solutions are best for your family.

Volatile Organic Compounds

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

They’re found in paint and stains along with:

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

When these chemicals accumulate inside, they might irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They can also create 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 adhere to the manufacturer’s directions when using paint or cleaning supplies. Opening a window can help fumes disperse faster.

Air purification systems can also help. This equipment partners with your heating and cooling unit to clean indoor air. When looking for one, ensure it’s specifically designed to wipe out VOCs.

Dust and Pet Dander

Dust and pet dander can irritate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continually gets recirculated by your house’s comfort unit. While you can vacuum more regularly and install an improved air filter, an air filtration system might be a better fit.

This unit hooks to your HVAC equipment to deliver powerful filtration. Some kinds offer hospital-level filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.

Persistent Odors

Newer homes are securely sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is good for your utility bill, it’s not so good for your IAQ.

Stuffy odors can hang around for a greater amount of time because your house is pulling in reduced fresh air. Since keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t a possibility, here are two approaches you can make your indoor air smell fresher.

An air purification system is put in your ducts to neutralize odors before they are redistributed. Search for one with a carbon filter and the capability to break down dangerous VOCs. These systems can also help keep your loved ones healthy by eliminating most bacteria and normal allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system removes stuffy indoor air and exchanges it with fresh outdoor air. There are two kinds of units (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our professionals for more details on which kind is ideal for your home.

Uneven Humidity

It’s important your home’s humidity keeps even. Air that’s too humid can cause mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory troubles.

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

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

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It’s caused by insufficient combustion in fuel-burning appliances, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.

It creates a severe health risk. In little levels, it can create flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It could be fatal in big levels.

We recommend yearly furnace maintenance to ensure your equipment is operating smoothly. This job allows our professionals to find troubles before they start, including malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.

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

Enhance Your Home’s Air Quality with the House of Heating Incorporated Pros

Aware that your residence has bad air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which product is right for you? Give our kind HVAC pros a call at 715-384-3163 or contact us online now. With free estimates and pro service, we’ll help you choose the ideal solution for your family and budget.