If you’re uncertain whether your Pflugerville house has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely does.
We spend much of our time indoors. In reality, we’re inside 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 may result in long-term health problems.
Most Common Causes of Unsatisfactory IAQ
We’ve put together a list of the most ordinary origins of inferior IAQ, the troubles they make and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your residence, we suggest chatting with a specialist like Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning about which products are ideal for your family.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes released by regular household products.
They’re found in paint and stains in addition to:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these fumes accumulate indoors, they may irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They might also cause 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 higher than the air outside.
Always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines when applying paint or spraying cleaning products. Opening a window can help fumes dissipate more rapidly.
Air purification systems can also make it better. This system works with your heating and cooling system to enhance indoor air. When hunting for one, make sure it’s specifically made to eliminate VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can aggravate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it constantly gets redistributed by your residence’s heating and cooling unit. While you can vacuum more regularly and buy a better air filter, an air filtration system could be a better solution.
This solution hooks to your comfort unit to give powerful filtration. Some kinds offer hospital-quality filtration for eliminating particles and bioaerosols.
Persistent Odors
Modern homes are closely sealed to boost energy efficiency. While this is great for your heating and cooling expenses, it’s not ideal for your IAQ.
Musty odors can stay around for an extended amount of time as your home is drawing in reduced fresh air. Since keeping your windows open all year round isn’t doable, here are two approaches you can make your indoor air smell cleaner.
An air purification system is put in your ductwork to neutralize odors before they recirculate. Look for one with a carbon filter and the power to eliminate damaging VOCs. These systems can also help keep your household healthy by wiping out most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system pulls out musty indoor air and exchanges it with fresh outdoor air. There are two types of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so call our technicians for more details on which type is right for your house.
Unbalanced Humidity
It’s essential your home’s humidity remains even. Air that’s too humid can cause mold, while dry air can create respiratory troubles.
Our professionals advise 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours steady, think about 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 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 causes a serious health risk. In small levels, it can create flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It can be lethal in big concentrations.
We advise annual furnace maintenance to make sure your system is working properly. This service allows our techs to pinpoint problems before they begin, including malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.
The best method to keep your residence free of carbon monoxide is to put in detectors. These alarms must be on every floor by bedrooms and living spaces.
Improve Your House’s Air Quality with the Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning Professionals
Aware that your home has bad air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which option is right for you? Give our friendly HVAC specialists a call at 512-355-1482 or contact us online today. With free estimates and expert service, we’ll help you find the ideal equipment for your home and budget.