If you’re unsure whether your Branchville house has unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ), it probably does.

We are indoors a lot. In reality, we’re indoors 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 might create long-term health problems.

Most Common Sources of Unsatisfactory IAQ

We’ve made a list of the most ordinary causes of inferior IAQ, the problems they make and how you can take care of these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your home, we suggest consulting with a expert like Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. about which products are best for your home.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are vapors released by common household things.

They’re found in paint and stains as well as:

  • Furniture
  • Carpet
  • Building materials
  • Cleaning products
  • Cosmetics
  • Air fresheners
  • Candles

When these fumes accumulate inside, they may irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They may also result in headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your home is in a rural or industrial area, an EPA study found indoor levels of these pollutants can be 2–5 times higher than the air outside your home.

Always use the manufacturer’s guidelines when painting or cleaning. Unlatching a window can help fumes disperse faster.

Air purification systems can also make it better. This equipment partners with your heating and cooling equipment to clean indoor air. When looking for one, ensure it’s specifically made to eliminate VOCs.

Dust and Pet Dander

Dust and pet dander can irritate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it constantly gets moved by your home’s comfort system. While you can vacuum more regularly and buy an improved air filter, an air filtration system could be a better fit.

This equipment hooks to your HVAC equipment to deliver strong filtration. Some types offer hospital-level filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.

Persistent Odors

Newer houses are securely sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is good for your energy bill, it’s not so good for your IAQ.

Stale odors can stay around for a greater amount of time because your residence is pulling in less fresh air. Because keeping your windows open all year-round isn’t a possibility, here are two methods you can make your indoor air smell better.

An air purification system is placed in your ducts to neutralize odors before they recirculate. Find one with a carbon filter and the ability to break down dangerous VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your household healthy by eliminating most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system removes stuffy indoor air and exchanges it with clean outdoor air. There are two kinds of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our professionals for more details on which kind is best for your home.

Uneven Humidity

It’s important your residence’s humidity remains even. Air that’s too humid can create mold, while dry air can cause respiratory concerns.

Our pros suggest 40–50% for top comfort. To keep yours in balance, consider getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your HVAC system.

Rather than having to drag 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 poses a serious health risk. In low levels, it can create flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It could be lethal in big levels.

We recommend annual furnace maintenance to ensure your equipment is running smoothly. This job allows our professionals to spot issues before they begin, including malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.

The best way to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms must be on every floor near bedrooms and living spaces.

Enhance Your Residence’s Air Quality with the Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. Experts

Aware that your home has inferior air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which solution is right for you? Give our approachable HVAC pros a call at 862-345-6896 or contact us online today. With free estimates and expert assistance, we’ll help you choose the best option for your home and budget.