If you’re questioning whether your Cache Valley house has unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ), it probably does.

We are indoors a lot. As a matter of fact, we’re indoors up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside homes could be 2–5 times more contaminated than outdoors, which may create long-term health issues.

Most Common Origins of Unsatisfactory IAQ

We’ve compiled a list of the most frequent causes of poor IAQ, the problems they cause and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your home, we recommend chatting with a pro like Western Mechanical, Inc. about which options are a good fit for your house.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are vapors released by regular 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 accumulate in your home, they might irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They can also result in 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 outside your home.

Always use the manufacturer’s directions when painting or cleaning. Opening a window can help vapors disperse faster.

Air purification systems can also make it better. This equipment partners with your heating and cooling unit to enhance indoor air. When hunting for a system, ensure it’s specifically made 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 home’s comfort system. While you can vacuum more routinely and get an improved air filter, an air filtration system might be a better fit.

This equipment hooks to your heating and cooling equipment to give mighty filtration. Some kinds have hospital-level filtration for eliminating particles and bioaerosols.

Lingering Odors

Newer residences are securely sealed to boost energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your utility expenses, it’s not very good for your IAQ.

Stale odors can stay around for a greater amount of time because your house is pulling in reduced fresh air. Since keeping your windows open all the time isn’t a possibility, here are two methods you can make your indoor air smell better.

An air purification system is installed in your ducts to wipe out odors before they are redistributed. Find one with a carbon filter and the ability to eliminate dangerous VOCs. These units can also help keep your household healthy by eliminating most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system pulls out musty indoor air and replaces it with fresh outdoor air. There are two types of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our professionals for more info on which type is right for your residence.

Unsteady Humidity

It’s critical your home’s humidity stays even. Air that’s too humid can create mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory troubles.

Our professionals suggest 40–50% for top comfort. To keep yours even, consider getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your heating and cooling equipment.

In place of having to pull a humidifier from room to room, this product delivers even humidity across your house.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It occurs when there’s insufficient combustion in fuel-burning equipment, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.

It produces a serious health risk. In low levels, it can cause flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It may be deadly in large levels.

We recommend annual furnace maintenance to make sure your system is running smoothly. This work allows our techs to discover issues before they begin, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.

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

Improve Your Residence’s Air Quality with the Western Mechanical, Inc. Specialists

Informed that your residence has inferior air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which option is a good fit for you? Give our kind HVAC professionals a call at 435-753-5515 or contact us online today. With free estimates and professional support, we’ll help you find the ideal equipment for your needs and budget.