If you’re unsure whether your Mount Pleasant home has unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ), it probably 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 residences could be 2–5 times more contaminated than outdoors, which could lead to long-term health concerns.
Most Common Origins of Bad IAQ
We’ve made a list of the most frequent causes of poor IAQ, the troubles they cause and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re troubled by the air inside your home, we suggest chatting with a specialist like Olde Towne Heating & Air about which products are ideal for your home.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes released by everyday household products.
They’re found in paint and stains along with:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these vapors collect indoors, they can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They might also result in headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your home is in a rural or industrial space, 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 directions when applying paint or spraying cleaning products. Opening a window can help chemicals disperse more rapidly.
Air purification systems can also better your air. This unit collaborates with your heating and cooling equipment to freshen indoor air. When seeking a model, check that it’s specifically created to eliminate VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can trigger health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it constantly gets recirculated by your home’s HVAC system. While you can vacuum more routinely and install an enhanced air filter, an air filtration system may be a better match.
This solution works with your HVAC system to provide mighty filtration. Some models have hospital-level filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.
Persistent Odors
Modern residences are tightly sealed to boost energy efficiency. While this is great for your heating and cooling expenses, it’s not so good for your IAQ.
Stale odors can hang around for an extended amount of time as your residence is taking in reduced fresh air. Since keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t an option, here are two ways you can make your indoor air smell better.
An air purification system is put in your HVAC system to wipe out odors before they get released again. Look for one with a carbon filter and the capability to wipe out dangerous VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your household healthy by getting rid of most bacteria and normal allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system pulls out stale indoor air and exchanges it with fresh outdoor air. There are two models of systems (heat recovery and energy recovery), so call our techs for more info on which solution is best for your residence.
Uneven Humidity
It’s critical your residence’s humidity stays steady. Air that’s too moist can create mold, while dry air can cause respiratory issues.
Our professionals advise 40–50% for top comfort. To keep yours in balance, consider buying a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your heating and cooling system.
Rather than having to drag a humidifier from room to room, this equipment delivers balanced 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 causes a severe health risk. In little levels, it can lead to flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It may be deadly in big levels.
We suggest regular furnace maintenance to double-check your equipment is operating properly. This service allows our techs to pinpoint troubles before they begin, including malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.
The best way to keep your residence free of carbon monoxide is to install detectors. These alarms should be on each floor near bedrooms and living rooms.
Improve Your House’s Air Quality with the Olde Towne Heating & Air Experts
Informed that your house has bad air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which option is ideal for you? Give our approachable HVAC professionals a call at 843-485-0967 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and professional support, we’ll help you locate the ideal equipment for your needs and budget.