If you’re questioning whether your Pella residence has unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ), it probably does.
We spend much of our time indoors. 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 houses can be 2–5 times worse than outdoors, which may lead to long-term health issues.
Most Common Origins of Poor IAQ
We’ve made a list of the most frequent sources of poor IAQ, the issues they make and how you can take care of these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your residence, we advise consulting with a specialist like Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating about which solutions are best for your home.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals leaked by everyday household products.
They’re found in paint and stains as well as:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these fumes build up indoors, they can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They might also result in 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 greater than the air outside your home.
Always use the manufacturer’s instructions when using paint or cleaning supplies. Unlatching a window can help vapors disperse faster.
Air purification systems can also help. This system collaborates with your heating and cooling system to clean indoor air. When seeking one, check that 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 residence’s comfort equipment. While you can vacuum more routinely and get an improved air filter, an air filtration system may be a better solution.
This unit works with your comfort equipment to deliver mighty filtration. Some types provide hospital-level filtration for eliminating particles and bioaerosols.
Lasting Odors
Modern residences are closely sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your heating and cooling expenses, it’s not very good for your IAQ.
Stale odors can stay around for a greater amount of time as your residence is drawing in less fresh air. As keeping your windows open all year round isn’t a possibility, here are two methods you can make your indoor air smell fresher.
An air purification system is placed in your ducts to neutralize odors before they get released again. Search for one with a carbon filter and the ability to break down dangerous VOCs. These units can also help keep your family healthy by wiping out most bacteria and normal allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system takes out stale indoor air and exchanges it with clean outdoor air. There are two types of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our professionals for more details on which kind is right for your house.
Unsteady Humidity
It’s essential your residence’s humidity stays balanced. Air that has too much moisture can cause mold, while dry air can cause respiratory troubles.
Our pros suggest 40–50% for top comfort. To keep yours even, think over getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your HVAC system.
Rather than having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this solution provides balanced humidity throughout your residence.
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 poses a severe health risk. In little levels, it can lead to flu-like sickness like headaches and nausea. It can be fatal in big levels.
We advise yearly furnace maintenance to double-check your unit is running smoothly. This job allows our professionals to see problems before they start, including malfunctions that can cause carbon monoxide leaks.
The best approach to keep your house free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms should be on all floors by bedrooms and living areas.
Improve Your Residence’s Air Quality with the Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating Pros
Aware that your house has inferior air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which option is a good fit for you? Give our approachable HVAC pros a call at 641-628-3621 or contact us online now. With free estimates and professional service, we’ll help you choose the best option for your needs and budget.