If you’re uncertain whether your Phoenix house has poor indoor air quality (IAQ), it probably does.
We spend a lot of time inside. In reality, we’re indoors up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside houses may be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoors, which can lead to long-term health issues.
Most Common Causes of Unsatisfactory IAQ
We’ve compiled a list of the most frequent origins of bad IAQ, the issues they make and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your house, we advise chatting with a professional like Integrity AC & Heating LLC about which options are best for your house.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals emitted from everyday household items.
They’re found in paint and stains along with:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these chemicals accumulate inside, they may irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They may also lead to headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your house is in a rural or industrial space, an EPA study found indoor levels of these fumes can be 2–5 times worse than the air outdoors.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when painting or cleaning. Unlatching a window can help chemicals disappear faster.
Air purification systems can also improve your air. This system works with your heating and cooling system to improve indoor air. When hunting for a model, check that it’s specifically created to eradicate VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can trigger health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continually gets redistributed by your residence’s heating and cooling unit. While you can vacuum more regularly and install an enhanced air filter, an air filtration system may be a better solution.
This solution hooks to your comfort unit to give powerful filtration. Some models have hospital-level filtration for eliminating particles and bioaerosols.
Persistent Odors
Modern residences are closely sealed to boost energy efficiency. While this is good for your utility bill, it’s not so good for your IAQ.
Musty odors can stay around for an extended amount of time as your residence is drawing in reduced fresh air. Because keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t an option, here are two approaches you can make your indoor air smell better.
An air purification system is put in your HVAC system to wipe out odors before they recirculate. Look for one with a carbon filter and the ability to wipe out dangerous VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your household healthy by eliminating most bacteria and normal allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system removes stuffy indoor air and replaces it with crisp outdoor air. There are two types of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our pros for more information on which solution is ideal for your home.
Uneven Humidity
It’s critical your house’s humidity stays even. Air that has too much moisture can create mold, while dry air can cause respiratory concerns.
Our experts recommend 40–50% for top comfort. To keep yours steady, think about getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your heating and cooling system.
Instead of having to pull a humidifier from room to room, this equipment provides consistent humidity around your residence.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is clear gas you can’t smell. It occurs when there’s insufficient combustion in fuel-burning units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It presents an extreme health risk. In little concentrations, it can cause flu-like sickness like headaches and nausea. It may be lethal in heavy concentrations.
We suggest regular furnace maintenance to make sure your equipment is operating properly. This service allows our pros to spot issues before they get bigger, including malfunctions that can cause carbon monoxide leaks.
The best approach to keep your residence free of carbon monoxide is to put in detectors. These alarms must be on all floors by bedrooms and living areas.
Enhance Your House’s Air Quality with the Integrity AC & Heating LLC Specialists
Aware that your residence has poor air quality but not sure how to enhance it? Or unsure which product is right for you? Give our kind HVAC specialists a call at 602-971-0567 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and pro support, we’ll help you locate the best option for your home and budget.