If you’re unsure whether your Omaha residence has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it possibly 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 residences could be 2–5 times worse than outdoors, which could lead to long-term health concerns.
Most Common Origins of Poor IAQ
We’ve made a list of the most ordinary causes of bad IAQ, the problems they cause and how you can take care of these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your residence, we recommend talking with a specialist like The Frazier Company about which options are ideal for your house.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes emitted from everyday household items.
They’re found in paint and stains in addition to:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these vapors collect indoors, they might 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 space, an EPA study found indoor levels of these pollutants can be 2–5 times greater than the air outside.
Always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines when applying paint or spraying cleaning products. Opening a window can help fumes disperse more quickly.
Air purification systems can also better your air. This unit partners with your heating and cooling system to enhance indoor air. When looking for one, make sure it’s specifically created to wipe out VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can aggravate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continually gets moved by your home’s heating and cooling equipment. While you can vacuum more frequently and buy an enhanced air filter, an air filtration system may be a better match.
This unit connects with your HVAC unit to deliver strong filtration. Some kinds have hospital-level filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.
Lasting Odors
New residences are closely sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is good for your utility costs, it’s not very good for your IAQ.
Musty odors can hang around for a greater amount of time because your residence is drawing in a smaller amount of fresh air. Because keeping your windows open all year round isn’t a possibility, here are two approaches you can make your indoor air smell better.
An air purification system is installed in your ductwork to eliminate odors before they recirculate. Search for one with a carbon filter and the capability to break down dangerous VOCs. These units can also help keep your household healthy by eliminating most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system pulls out stale indoor air and replaces it with fresh outdoor air. There are two models of systems (heat recovery and energy recovery), so call our professionals for more details on which kind is ideal for your home.
Unbalanced Humidity
It’s critical your house’s humidity keeps steady. Air that has too much moisture can create mold, while dry air can cause respiratory troubles.
Our professionals suggest 40–50% for top comfort. To keep yours in balance, consider 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 provides even humidity around your home.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is clear gas you can’t smell. It occurs when there’s incomplete combustion in fuel-burning units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It poses a severe health risk. In little levels, it can lead to flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It can be fatal in large concentrations.
We suggest regular furnace maintenance to make sure your unit is working properly. This job allows our techs to spot problems before they begin, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.
The best method to keep your residence free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms need to be on every floor by bedrooms and living areas.
Better Your House’s Air Quality with the The Frazier Company Pros
Informed that your house has bad air quality but not sure how to enhance it? Or unsure which option is a good fit for you? Give our approachable HVAC professionals a call at 402-628-0206 or contact us online now. With free estimates and professional service, we’ll help you choose the right solution for your home and budget.