If you’re uncertain whether your Marshalltown residence has poor indoor air quality (IAQ), it probably does.

We are indoors a lot. In reality, we’re inside up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside homes could be 2–5 times worse than outdoors, which could create long-term health concerns.

Most Common Sources of Poor IAQ

We’ve put together a list of the most common origins of poor IAQ, the troubles they make and how you can take care of these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your house, we recommend consulting with a pro like B & G HVAC about which solutions are ideal for your home.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals emitted from regular household things.

They’re found in paint and stains along with:

  • 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 might also lead to headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your residence is in a rural or industrial space, an EPA study found indoor levels of these fumes can be 2–5 times higher than the air outdoors.

Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when applying paint or spraying cleaning products. Unlatching a window can help vapors disperse faster.

Air purification systems can also make it better. This system partners with your heating and cooling unit to improve indoor air. When seeking a system, ensure it’s specifically designed to eradicate VOCs.

Dust and Pet Dander

Dust and pet dander can aggravate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continuously gets recirculated by your house’s comfort unit. While you can vacuum more routinely and buy an improved air filter, an air filtration system might be a better solution.

This unit hooks to your HVAC equipment to provide mighty filtration. Some models provide hospital-level filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.

Lasting Odors

Newer houses are closely sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is good for your heating and cooling costs, it’s not so good for your IAQ.

Stale odors can hang around for a greater amount of time as your house is pulling in less fresh air. Since keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t doable, here are two ways you can make your indoor air smell better.

An air purification system is installed in your HVAC system to eliminate odors before they get released again. Search for one with a carbon filter and the power to eliminate dangerous VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your household healthy by wiping out most bacteria and normal allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system takes out stuffy indoor air and replaces it with crisp outdoor air. There are two models of units (heat recovery and energy recovery), so call our professionals for more info on which solution is ideal for your home.

Unsteady Humidity

It’s essential your residence’s humidity stays even. Air that’s too moist can cause mold, while dry air can create respiratory concerns.

Our pros suggest 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours in balance, think over getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your comfort system.

In place of having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this solution delivers consistent humidity around your house.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is colorless 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 a serious health risk. In low levels, it can cause flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It could be deadly in big amounts.

We recommend regular furnace maintenance to ensure your system is running smoothly. This service allows our professionals to spot issues before they start, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.

The best method to keep your house free of carbon monoxide is to install detectors. These alarms should be on each floor close to bedrooms and living spaces.

Better Your Residence’s Air Quality with the B & G HVAC Experts

Aware that your house has bad air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which solution is best for you? Give our kind HVAC pros a call at 641-316-3360 or contact us online now. With free estimates and expert support, we’ll help you find the right option for your family and budget.