If you’re unsure whether your Erie residence has poor indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely does.
We spend a lot of time inside. 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 may be 2–5 times worse than outdoors, which could create long-term health problems.
Most Common Origins of Poor IAQ
We’ve put together a list of the most ordinary causes of inferior IAQ, the problems they cause and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your residence, we recommend talking with a professional like Patterson & Stirling Inc about which products are a good fit for your house.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals leaked by common household items.
They’re found in paint and stains as well as:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these fumes accumulate indoors, they may 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 greater than the air outside your home.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying paint or spraying cleaning products. Cracking a window can help odors disperse faster.
Air purification systems can also better your air. This unit works with your heating and cooling equipment to improve indoor air. When hunting for a system, make sure it’s specifically made to eradicate VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can aggravate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continually gets moved by your residence’s HVAC equipment. While you can vacuum more frequently and buy a better air filter, an air filtration system may be a better match.
This unit connects with your comfort system to deliver strong filtration. Some kinds offer hospital-level filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.
Lasting Odors
Newer houses are securely sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your energy bill, it’s not so good for your IAQ.
Stale odors can hang around for a greater amount of time since your house is pulling in less 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 ducts to eliminate odors before they get released again. Look for one with a carbon filter and the capability to break down harmful VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your family healthy by wiping out most bacteria and ordinary allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system removes stuffy indoor air and substitutes it with clean outdoor air. There are two kinds of units (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our techs for more information on which kind is best for your house.
Uneven Humidity
It’s critical your house’s humidity remains balanced. Air that’s too moist can cause mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory issues.
Our technicians suggest 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours even, think over getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your comfort unit.
In place of having to pull a humidifier from room to room, this product gives consistent humidity across your house.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It’s caused by unfinished combustion in fuel-burning equipment, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It poses a severe health risk. In little concentrations, it can lead to flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It can be fatal in big concentrations.
We suggest annual furnace maintenance to ensure your equipment is running smoothly. This work allows our pros to discover issues before they begin, 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 each floor by bedrooms and living spaces.
Improve Your Home’s Air Quality with the Patterson & Stirling Inc Experts
Informed that your house has poor air quality but not sure how to enhance it? Or unsure which product is best for you? Give our kind HVAC specialists a call at 814-308-0416 or contact us online now. With free estimates and pro support, we’ll help you choose the ideal option for your home and budget.