If you’re questioning whether your Libertyville home has poor indoor air quality (IAQ), it probably does.
We spend much of our time indoors. 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 houses may be 2–5 times worse than outdoors, which could lead to long-term health issues.
Most Common Causes of Bad IAQ
We’ve put together a list of the most common sources of inferior IAQ, the issues they create and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your house, we recommend chatting with a pro like TopTec Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical about which products are ideal for your family.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals released by everyday household products.
They’re found in paint and stains along with:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these vapors accumulate in your home, they can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They may also create 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 higher than the air outdoors.
Always adhere to the manufacturer’s directions when using paint or cleaning supplies. Cracking a window can help fumes disappear faster.
Air purification systems can also make it better. This system partners with your heating and cooling system to freshen indoor air. When hunting for one, make sure it’s specifically designed to eradicate VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can trigger health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continuously gets recirculated by your house’s comfort unit. While you can vacuum more frequently and install an enhanced air filter, an air filtration system might be a better fit.
This unit works with your heating and cooling equipment to give strong filtration. Some models have hospital-grade filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.
Lasting Odors
New homes are securely sealed to boost energy efficiency. While this is good for your heating and cooling costs, it’s not so good for your IAQ.
Musty odors can stick around for a greater amount of time because your home is pulling in reduced fresh air. Because keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t an option, here are two methods you can make your indoor air smell cleaner.
An air purification system is put in your ducts to neutralize odors before they are redistributed. Search for one with a carbon filter and the ability to break down damaging VOCs. These units 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 pulls out musty indoor air and exchanges it with clean outdoor air. There are two kinds of systems (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our specialists for more details on which solution is best for your home.
Unsteady Humidity
It’s critical your home’s humidity remains steady. Air that’s too moist can lead to mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory issues.
Our pros advise 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours steady, think over installing a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your comfort system.
In place of having to pull a humidifier from room to room, this product provides consistent humidity throughout your house.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is gas you can’t see or smell. It’s a byproduct of unfinished combustion in fuel-burning units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It produces an extreme health risk. In little levels, it can cause flu-like sickness like headaches and nausea. It may be lethal in large concentrations.
We advise yearly furnace maintenance to double-check your equipment is operating like it should. This work allows our pros to pinpoint troubles before they start, including malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.
The best approach to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to put in detectors. These alarms should be on every floor by bedrooms and living areas.
Better Your Residence’s Air Quality with the TopTec Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical Professionals
Know that your residence has inferior air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which solution is best for you? Give our friendly HVAC experts a call at 847-362-0262 or contact us online now. With free estimates and pro support, we’ll help you locate the best equipment for your family and budget.