If you’re uncertain whether your Omaha house has unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely does.
We spend a lot of time inside. In fact, we’re in a building 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 can create long-term health issues.
Most Common Causes of Unsatisfactory IAQ
We’ve compiled a list of the most common origins of poor IAQ, the troubles they make and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your home, we advise consulting with a specialist like Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning about which solutions are a good fit for your house.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are vapors leaked by everyday household products.
They’re found in paint and stains in addition to:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these vapors accumulate in your home, they might 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 greater than the air outside your home.
Always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines when applying paint or spraying cleaning products. Cracking a window can help chemicals disperse more quickly.
Air purification systems can also improve your air. This unit works with your heating and cooling equipment to enhance indoor air. When hunting for a model, ensure it’s specifically designed to wipe out VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can aggravate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continually gets redistributed by your home’s heating and cooling system. While you can vacuum more routinely and install an enhanced air filter, an air filtration system might be a better fit.
This equipment hooks to your HVAC unit to provide mighty filtration. Some models have hospital-grade filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.
Lingering Odors
Modern residences are tightly sealed to boost energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your heating and cooling costs, it’s not very good for your IAQ.
Musty odors can stick around longer as your residence is taking in reduced fresh air. As keeping your windows open all the time isn’t a possibility, here are two ways you can make your indoor air smell cleaner.
An air purification system is installed in your ductwork to eliminate 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 loved ones healthy by getting rid of most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system removes stale indoor air and substitutes it with fresh outdoor air. There are two models of units (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our professionals for more details on which kind is ideal for your house.
Unbalanced Humidity
It’s important your house’s humidity keeps steady. Air that’s too moist can create mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory symptoms.
Our experts recommend 40–50% for top comfort. To keep yours even, think about buying a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your HVAC equipment.
Instead of having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this product provides consistent humidity around your house.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is gas you can’t see or smell. It’s a byproduct of insufficient combustion in fuel-burning units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It poses a severe health risk. In low levels, it can create flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It could be lethal in large amounts.
We suggest regular furnace maintenance to make sure your system is operating properly. This service allows our techs to spot troubles before they get bigger, 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 should be on every floor near bedrooms and living areas.
Improve Your House’s Air Quality with the Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning Pros
Aware that your residence has poor air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which option is a good fit for you? Give our friendly HVAC experts a call at 402-509-5940 or contact us online now. With free estimates and pro service, we’ll help you find the right solution for your needs and budget.