If you’re uncertain whether your Front Royal residence has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it probably does.
We are indoors a lot. As a matter of fact, we’re inside up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside residences could be 2–5 times worse than outdoors, which can lead to long-term health issues.
Most Common Origins of Bad IAQ
We’ve compiled a list of the most ordinary causes of poor IAQ, the problems they make and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your home, we suggest consulting with a pro like Dave's Diversified Services about which solutions are ideal for your house.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals emitted from everyday household products.
They’re found in paint and stains in addition to:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these chemicals build up indoors, they might irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They may also cause headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your residence is in a rural or industrial space, an EPA study found indoor levels of these chemicals can be 2–5 times greater than the air outside.
Always use the manufacturer’s directions when painting or cleaning. Opening a window can help odors disperse more quickly.
Air purification systems can also help. This system collaborates with your heating and cooling system to enhance indoor air. When seeking a model, make sure it’s specifically made to eliminate 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 home’s comfort unit. While you can vacuum more routinely and install a better air filter, an air filtration system could be a better fit.
This unit works with your HVAC equipment to give mighty filtration. Some models offer hospital-quality filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.
Lasting Odors
Modern homes are closely sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is great for your heating and cooling bill, it’s not ideal for your IAQ.
Musty odors can stick around for a greater amount of time as your home is drawing in a smaller amount of fresh air. Since keeping your windows open all year round isn’t doable, here are two approaches you can make your indoor air smell cleaner.
An air purification system is installed in your ductwork to wipe out odors before they are redistributed. Find one with a carbon filter and the power to break down dangerous VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your household healthy by wiping out most bacteria and normal allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system pulls out stuffy indoor air and substitutes it with fresh outdoor air. There are two types of systems (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our experts for more information on which type is best for your house.
Unbalanced Humidity
It’s important your house’s humidity stays even. Air that has too much moisture can lead to mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory issues.
Our experts advise 40–50% for top comfort. To keep yours in balance, think over getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your HVAC equipment.
Instead of having to pull a humidifier from room to room, this equipment gives balanced humidity across your house.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It’s caused by unfinished combustion in fuel-burning appliances, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It produces a severe health risk. In small levels, it can create flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It could be deadly in big concentrations.
We recommend annual furnace maintenance to ensure your system is operating properly. This service allows our specialists to discover troubles before they begin, 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 should be on every floor near bedrooms and living rooms.
Improve Your House’s Air Quality with the Dave's Diversified Services Pros
Informed that your residence has poor air quality but not sure how to enhance it? Or unsure which option is right for you? Give our friendly HVAC experts a call at 540-636-3396 or contact us online now. With free estimates and expert service, we’ll help you choose the ideal equipment for your family and budget.