If you’re questioning whether your Greater Richmond house has poor indoor air quality (IAQ), it possibly 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 homes could be 2–5 times worse than outdoors, which could create long-term health issues.
Most Common Origins of Bad IAQ
We’ve made a list of the most ordinary causes of poor IAQ, the troubles they cause and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re troubled by the air inside your residence, we advise chatting with a specialist like Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling about which products are a good fit for your family.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals 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 chemicals collect in your home, they might irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They may also result in headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your residence is in a rural or industrial area, an EPA study found indoor levels of these fumes can be 2–5 times greater than the air outside.
Always use the manufacturer’s instructions when applying paint or spraying cleaning products. Unlatching a window can help odors disperse more rapidly.
Air purification systems can also better your air. This system partners with your heating and cooling system to enhance indoor air. When looking for one, ensure it’s specifically designed to eliminate VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can trigger health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it constantly gets recirculated by your house’s heating and cooling unit. While you can vacuum more regularly and buy a better air filter, an air filtration system might be a better match.
This equipment works with your heating and cooling unit to give powerful filtration. Some kinds offer hospital-grade filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.
Lingering Odors
Modern houses are securely sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your energy expenses, it’s not so good for your IAQ.
Stale odors can hang around longer as your house is pulling in a smaller amount of fresh air. As keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t an option, here are two ways you can make your indoor air smell fresher.
An air purification system is installed in your ducts to neutralize odors before they get released again. Find one with a carbon filter and the capability to wipe out damaging VOCs. These systems can also help keep your family healthy by wiping out most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system takes out stale indoor air and substitutes it with crisp outdoor air. There are two types of units (heat recovery and energy recovery), so call our technicians for more details on which type is right for your house.
Uneven Humidity
It’s important your residence’s humidity keeps balanced. Air that’s too humid can cause mold, while dry air can create respiratory concerns.
Our specialists recommend 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours in balance, consider buying a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your HVAC unit.
Rather than having to drag a humidifier from room to room, this equipment gives consistent humidity throughout your residence.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is clear gas you can’t smell. It’s caused by incomplete combustion in fuel-burning equipment, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It creates an extreme health risk. In low levels, it can create flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It can be lethal in heavy concentrations.
We suggest annual furnace maintenance to make sure your system is running properly. This job allows our technicians to discover issues before they start, including malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.
The best method to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to put in detectors. These alarms must be on every floor near bedrooms and living areas.
Better Your Residence’s Air Quality with the Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Professionals
Aware that your home has poor air quality but not sure how to enhance it? Or unsure which product is a good fit for you? Give our kind HVAC experts a call at 804-302-6657 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and professional service, we’ll help you locate the ideal solution for your family and budget.