If you’re uncertain whether your Omaha house has poor indoor air quality (IAQ), it probably does.
We are indoors a lot. As a matter of fact, we’re indoors up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside homes could be 2–5 times worse than outdoors, which may create long-term health concerns.
Most Common Causes of Poor IAQ
We’ve compiled a list of the most frequent sources of inferior IAQ, the issues they cause and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re troubled by the air inside your home, we recommend chatting with a specialist like The Frazier Company about which options are ideal for your family.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are vapors released by regular household items.
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 can also lead to 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 worse than the air outside your home.
Always use the manufacturer’s directions when using paint or cleaning supplies. Unlatching a window can help fumes disperse faster.
Air purification systems can also better your air. This equipment partners with your heating and cooling unit to enhance indoor air. When seeking one, 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 continuously gets recirculated by your home’s comfort system. While you can vacuum more regularly and install an improved air filter, an air filtration system may be a better fit.
This solution hooks to your comfort equipment to give strong filtration. Some kinds have hospital-level filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.
Lasting Odors
New residences are tightly sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your heating and cooling bill, it’s not very good for your IAQ.
Stale odors can stay around for a greater amount of time since your residence is pulling in a smaller amount of fresh air. Since keeping your windows open all the time isn’t doable, here are two ways you can make your indoor air smell fresher.
An air purification system is installed in your ductwork to eliminate odors before they get released again. Find one with a carbon filter and the power to eliminate harmful VOCs. These units can also help keep your household healthy by wiping out most bacteria and ordinary allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system takes out stale indoor air and substitutes it with crisp outdoor air. There are two models of systems (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our professionals for more information on which type is ideal for your residence.
Unsteady Humidity
It’s important your residence’s humidity keeps even. Air that’s too moist can cause mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory concerns.
Our specialists suggest 40–50% for ideal comfort. To keep yours even, think over getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your heating and cooling unit.
In place of having to lug 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 occurs when there’s insufficient combustion in fuel-burning equipment, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It presents a severe health risk. In small levels, it can lead to flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It may be deadly in large amounts.
We recommend annual furnace maintenance to double-check your system is operating smoothly. This job allows our pros to discover issues before they begin, 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 areas.
Enhance Your Home’s Air Quality with the The Frazier Company Pros
Informed that your home has inferior air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which solution is best for you? Give our friendly HVAC pros a call at 402-628-0206 or contact us online now. With free estimates and pro service, we’ll help you choose the ideal equipment for your family and budget.