If you’re questioning whether your Phoenix home has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it probably does.
We spend a lot of time inside. In reality, we’re indoors up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside residences may be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoors, which might lead to long-term health issues.
Most Common Origins of Unsatisfactory IAQ
We’ve compiled a list of the most common causes of inferior IAQ, the troubles they make and how you can take care of these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your home, we advise chatting with a specialist like Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc about which solutions are ideal for your family.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals emitted from regular household things.
They’re found in paint and stains as well as:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these vapors build up indoors, they can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They may also result in headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your house 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 your home.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using paint or cleaning supplies. Opening a window can help fumes disappear faster.
Air purification systems can also help. This system works with your heating and cooling equipment to enhance indoor air. When looking for a model, check that it’s specifically designed to wipe out VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can irritate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continually gets redistributed by your home’s heating and cooling equipment. While you can vacuum more routinely and buy a better air filter, an air filtration system might be a better fit.
This solution hooks to your HVAC unit to deliver mighty filtration. Some kinds offer hospital-grade filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.
Persistent Odors
Modern residences are tightly sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is good for your heating and cooling bill, it’s not very good for your IAQ.
Musty odors can stick around for an extended amount of time as your residence is taking 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 neutralize odors before they get released again. Find one with a carbon filter and the power to wipe out harmful VOCs. These systems can also help keep your household healthy by eliminating most bacteria and normal allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system pulls out stuffy indoor air and substitutes it with crisp outdoor air. There are two kinds of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our experts for more information on which kind is best for your residence.
Unsteady Humidity
It’s important your house’s humidity remains even. Air that has too much moisture can lead to mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory concerns.
Our specialists advise 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours in balance, consider buying a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your comfort unit.
Instead of having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this product provides consistent humidity around your residence.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is clear gas you can’t smell. It’s a byproduct of insufficient combustion in fuel-burning units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It creates a serious health risk. In little levels, it can lead to flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It may be fatal in heavy concentrations.
We recommend regular furnace maintenance to ensure your equipment is working properly. This work allows our specialists to spot 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 each floor close to bedrooms and living rooms.
Enhance Your Residence’s Air Quality with the Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc Pros
Informed that your house has poor air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which product is ideal for you? Give our kind HVAC pros a call at 602-832-7808 or contact us online today. With free estimates and expert service, we’ll help you choose the ideal solution for your needs and budget.