If you’re unsure whether your Lincoln residence has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely does.
We are indoors a lot. 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 could be 2–5 times more contaminated than outdoors, which might create long-term health concerns.
Most Common Origins of Poor IAQ
We’ve put together a list of the most ordinary sources of bad IAQ, the troubles they cause and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your house, we suggest chatting with a pro like AW Heating & Air Conditioning about which products are ideal for your house.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals leaked by everyday household things.
They’re found in paint and stains along with:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these chemicals accumulate indoors, they can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They might also result in headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your residence is in a rural or industrial area, an EPA study found indoor levels of these pollutants can be 2–5 times greater than the air outdoors.
Always adhere to the manufacturer’s directions when painting or cleaning. Opening a window can help fumes disappear more quickly.
Air purification systems can also better your air. This unit partners with your heating and cooling unit to clean indoor air. When seeking a system, ensure it’s specifically created to eliminate VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can irritate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continually gets moved by your house’s HVAC system. While you can vacuum more routinely and buy an improved air filter, an air filtration system may be a better solution.
This equipment connects with your heating and cooling system to provide mighty filtration. Some kinds provide hospital-level filtration for eliminating particles and bioaerosols.
Lingering Odors
New homes are tightly sealed to boost energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your utility costs, it’s not so good for your IAQ.
Stale odors can stay around longer because your home is taking in reduced fresh air. As keeping your windows open all year round isn’t an option, here are two methods you can make your indoor air smell better.
An air purification system is installed in your ducts to neutralize odors before they get released again. Search for one with a carbon filter and the power to wipe out damaging VOCs. These systems can also help keep your loved ones healthy by wiping out most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system removes stale indoor air and exchanges it with crisp outdoor air. There are two models of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so call our experts for more information on which type is best for your house.
Unsteady Humidity
It’s essential your home’s humidity remains steady. Air that’s too humid can create mold, while dry air can create respiratory troubles.
Our pros suggest 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours even, think about getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your comfort equipment.
Rather than having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this equipment delivers balanced humidity around your home.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is clear gas you can’t smell. It’s caused by unfinished combustion in fuel-burning equipment, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It produces a serious health risk. In small levels, it can cause flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It could be deadly in big levels.
We recommend yearly furnace maintenance to ensure your system is operating properly. This service allows our technicians to see issues before they start, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.
The best way to keep your residence free of carbon monoxide is to install detectors. These alarms need to be on every floor near bedrooms and living rooms.
Enhance Your Home’s Air Quality with the AW Heating & Air Conditioning Specialists
Informed that your house has inferior air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which solution is ideal for you? Give our friendly HVAC specialists a call at 402-438-7992 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and expert support, we’ll help you find the best solution for your family and budget.