If you’re uncertain whether your Magnolia residence 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 houses can be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoors, which may result in long-term health issues.
Most Common Sources of Poor IAQ
We’ve compiled a list of the most ordinary origins of inferior IAQ, the problems they cause and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your residence, we advise consulting with a expert like JTech Mechanical about which solutions are a good fit for your family.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals released by regular household items.
They’re found in paint and stains in addition to:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these fumes collect inside, they can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They can also result in headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your residence is in a rural or industrial space, an EPA study found indoor levels of these pollutants can be 2–5 times greater than the air outside.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions when applying paint or spraying cleaning products. Unlatching a window can help vapors disperse faster.
Air purification systems can also better your air. This system works with your heating and cooling unit to enhance indoor air. When seeking a system, make sure it’s specifically designed to wipe out VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can trigger health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continuously gets moved by your residence’s HVAC unit. While you can vacuum more routinely and get a better air filter, an air filtration system could be a better fit.
This solution connects with your comfort system to give mighty filtration. Some types offer hospital-quality filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.
Persistent Odors
Newer residences are closely sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is good for your heating and cooling bill, it’s not very good for your IAQ.
Stale odors can stick around for an extended amount of time since your residence is drawing in less fresh air. Because keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t a possibility, here are two ways you can make your indoor air smell fresher.
An air purification system is put in your ductwork to wipe out odors before they are redistributed. Find one with a carbon filter and the ability to wipe out damaging VOCs. These units can also help keep your household healthy by eliminating most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system removes stale indoor air and substitutes it with clean outdoor air. There are two models of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so call our technicians for more details on which solution is ideal for your residence.
Unbalanced Humidity
It’s essential your residence’s humidity keeps balanced. Air that’s too moist can cause mold, while dry air can cause respiratory symptoms.
Our experts suggest 40–50% for top comfort. To keep yours in balance, consider buying a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your comfort unit.
Instead of having to pull a humidifier from room to room, this solution delivers even humidity throughout your residence.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is gas you can’t see or smell. It’s a byproduct of incomplete combustion in fuel-burning units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It poses an extreme health risk. In little levels, it can create flu-like sickness like headaches and nausea. It could be deadly in big concentrations.
We suggest yearly furnace maintenance to double-check your unit is working properly. This work allows our pros to pinpoint troubles before they start, including malfunctions that can cause carbon monoxide leaks.
The best approach to keep your house free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms must be on every floor close to bedrooms and living spaces.
Enhance Your Residence’s Air Quality with the JTech Mechanical Professionals
Know that your residence has poor air quality but not sure how to enhance it? Or unsure which solution is a good fit for you? Give our approachable HVAC pros a call at 281-231-8768 or contact us online today. With free estimates and professional support, we’ll help you locate the best solution for your family and budget.