If you’re unsure whether your Magnolia residence has poor indoor air quality (IAQ), it possibly 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 residences could be 2–5 times worse than outdoors, which might create long-term health concerns.

Most Common Sources of Bad IAQ

We’ve compiled a list of the most ordinary causes of poor IAQ, the troubles they cause and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your home, we suggest talking with a specialist like JTech Mechanical about which options are ideal 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 along with:

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

When these fumes accumulate inside, they may irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They might also result in headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your home is in a rural or industrial area, an EPA study found indoor levels of these pollutants can be 2–5 times worse than the air outside.

Always follow the manufacturer’s directions when painting or cleaning. Unlatching a window can help vapors disappear faster.

Air purification systems can also make it better. This system partners with your heating and cooling system to enhance indoor air. When seeking one, ensure 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 constantly gets recirculated by your home’s comfort unit. While you can vacuum more routinely and install an improved air filter, an air filtration system could be a better fit.

This solution hooks to your comfort equipment to deliver powerful filtration. Some kinds provide hospital-level filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.

Persistent Odors

New houses are tightly sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your utility expenses, it’s not ideal for your IAQ.

Stuffy odors can stick around for a greater amount of time because your residence is pulling in less fresh air. As keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t a possibility, here are two methods you can make your indoor air smell cleaner.

An air purification system is placed in your HVAC system to neutralize odors before they recirculate. Search for one with a carbon filter and the ability to wipe out damaging VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your family healthy by getting rid of most bacteria and ordinary allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system takes out musty indoor air and substitutes it with clean outdoor air. There are two models of systems (heat recovery and energy recovery), so call our professionals for more information on which type is ideal for your home.

Unsteady Humidity

It’s important your residence’s humidity remains even. Air that’s too humid can lead to mold, while dry air can cause respiratory issues.

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

In place of having to drag a humidifier from room to room, this solution delivers consistent 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 serious health risk. In small levels, it can cause flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It can be lethal in heavy amounts.

We recommend yearly furnace maintenance to ensure your system is running like it should. This work allows our technicians to see troubles before they begin, including malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.

The best approach to keep your house free of carbon monoxide is to install detectors. These alarms must be on each floor near bedrooms and living spaces.

Improve Your Home’s Air Quality with the JTech Mechanical Experts

Aware that your house has bad air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which option is best for you? Give our approachable HVAC pros a call at 281-231-8768 or contact us online today. With free estimates and expert service, we’ll help you choose the ideal option for your needs and budget.