If you’re questioning whether your Phoenix house has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it possibly does.

We are indoors a lot. In reality, we’re inside up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside homes could be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoors, which may create long-term health problems.

Most Common Causes of Poor IAQ

We’ve put together a list of the most common sources of poor IAQ, the issues they create and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your home, we recommend consulting with a expert like Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc about which options are ideal for your house.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes leaked by everyday household things.

They’re found in paint and stains as well as:

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

When these fumes accumulate inside, they may irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They may also create 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 adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions when applying paint or spraying cleaning products. Cracking a window can help odors disappear faster.

Air purification systems can also better your air. This unit partners with your heating and cooling system to enhance indoor air. When seeking a model, ensure it’s specifically created to eradicate 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 house’s comfort unit. While you can vacuum more frequently and get an improved air filter, an air filtration system could be a better match.

This unit hooks to your heating and cooling equipment to deliver powerful filtration. Some models offer hospital-level filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.

Lasting Odors

Newer residences are closely sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is great for your utility costs, it’s not very good for your IAQ.

Stale odors can stay around for a greater amount of time because your house is pulling in a smaller amount of fresh air. As keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t an option, here are two approaches you can make your indoor air smell cleaner.

An air purification system is placed in your HVAC system to neutralize odors before they get released again. Find one with a carbon filter and the ability to eliminate dangerous VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your family healthy by getting rid of most bacteria and normal allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system takes out musty indoor air and exchanges it with clean outdoor air. There are two kinds of units (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our professionals for more details on which type is best for your house.

Unbalanced Humidity

It’s critical your home’s humidity stays even. Air that has too much moisture can create mold, while dry air can cause respiratory concerns.

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

In place of having to pull a humidifier from room to room, this product delivers even humidity throughout your house.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is colorless 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 presents a serious health risk. In small levels, it can cause flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It may be fatal in big concentrations.

We recommend regular furnace maintenance to ensure your unit is running smoothly. This job allows our technicians to find problems before they get bigger, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.

The best way to keep your house free of carbon monoxide is to install detectors. These alarms should be on every floor near bedrooms and living areas.

Enhance Your Residence’s Air Quality with the Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc Pros

Aware that your residence has inferior air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which product is right for you? Give our kind HVAC experts a call at 602-789-3315 or contact us online today. With free estimates and expert support, we’ll help you locate the best solution for your family and budget.