If you’re uncertain whether your Central Point house has unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely does.
We spend much of our time indoors. In reality, we’re indoors up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside homes can be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoors, which may result in long-term health issues.
Most Common Causes of Bad IAQ
We’ve made a list of the most ordinary sources of poor IAQ, the troubles they make and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your home, we advise talking with a specialist like Titan Heating & Air Conditioning about which solutions are ideal for your home.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals released by regular household products.
They’re found in paint and stains along with:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these chemicals collect indoors, they may irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They might also lead to headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your residence is in a rural or industrial location, an EPA study found indoor levels of these chemicals can be 2–5 times worse than the air outdoors.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using paint or cleaning supplies. Unlatching a window can help chemicals disappear more rapidly.
Air purification systems can also make it better. This equipment works with your heating and cooling unit to improve indoor air. When looking for a system, make sure it’s specifically made to wipe out VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can irritate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it constantly gets redistributed by your house’s HVAC unit. While you can vacuum more regularly and get an improved air filter, an air filtration system may be a better match.
This solution hooks to your heating and cooling system to give powerful filtration. Some types provide hospital-level filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.
Persistent Odors
Modern homes are securely sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is great for your heating and cooling costs, it’s not so good for your IAQ.
Stale odors can hang around for an extended amount of time as your home is pulling in a smaller amount of fresh air. Since keeping your windows open all year round isn’t an option, here are two methods you can make your indoor air smell cleaner.
An air purification system is placed in your ductwork to wipe out odors before they get released again. Search for one with a carbon filter and the capability to wipe out damaging VOCs. These systems can also help keep your loved ones healthy by getting rid of most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system removes musty indoor air and replaces it with fresh outdoor air. There are two kinds of systems (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our experts for more details on which kind is best for your house.
Unbalanced Humidity
It’s important your house’s humidity remains even. Air that’s too moist can lead to mold, while dry air can create respiratory symptoms.
Our technicians recommend 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours in balance, think about getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your comfort equipment.
Rather than having to drag a humidifier from room to room, this equipment provides balanced humidity around your home.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is clear gas you can’t smell. It occurs when there’s unfinished combustion in fuel-burning appliances, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It creates an extreme health risk. In low levels, it can create flu-like sickness like headaches and nausea. It can be lethal in big concentrations.
We suggest yearly furnace maintenance to double-check your unit is operating properly. This service allows our specialists to pinpoint issues before they get bigger, including malfunctions that can cause carbon monoxide leaks.
The best method to keep your residence free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms should be on every floor near bedrooms and living areas.
Enhance Your House’s Air Quality with the Titan Heating & Air Conditioning Experts
Aware that your residence has bad air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which product is a good fit for you? Give our kind HVAC pros a call at 541-286-6617 or contact us online now. With free estimates and expert service, we’ll help you find the best solution for your family and budget.