If you’re questioning whether your Des Moines home has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it possibly does.
We spend much of our time indoors. 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 houses could be 2–5 times more contaminated than outdoors, which can lead to long-term health problems.
Most Common Origins of Bad IAQ
We’ve put together a list of the most ordinary causes of inferior 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 home, we suggest consulting with a expert like Heartland Heating & Cooling about which solutions are a good fit for your house.
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 build up in your home, they might 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 pollutants can be 2–5 times greater than the air outside.
Always adhere to the manufacturer’s directions when using paint or cleaning supplies. Unlatching a window can help odors disappear faster.
Air purification systems can also improve your air. This equipment collaborates with your heating and cooling unit to improve indoor air. When seeking a system, check that it’s specifically created to eradicate VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can irritate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continually gets moved by your house’s comfort equipment. While you can vacuum more routinely and buy an improved air filter, an air filtration system could be a better fit.
This solution connects with your heating and cooling equipment to deliver mighty filtration. Some kinds provide hospital-quality filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.
Persistent Odors
Newer residences are securely sealed to boost energy efficiency. While this is great for your energy expenses, it’s not ideal for your IAQ.
Musty odors can stick around for an extended amount of time since your residence is pulling in reduced fresh air. Since keeping your windows open all year round isn’t doable, here are two methods you can make your indoor air smell better.
An air purification system is put in your ductwork to wipe out odors before they recirculate. Find one with a carbon filter and the ability to break down damaging VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your household healthy by getting rid of most bacteria and normal allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system pulls out musty indoor air and substitutes it with fresh outdoor air. There are two kinds of units (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our technicians for more information on which solution is right for your home.
Unbalanced Humidity
It’s important your home’s humidity remains even. Air that has too much moisture can cause mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory issues.
Our techs recommend 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours even, consider getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your heating and cooling unit.
Instead of having to drag a humidifier from room to room, this solution gives balanced humidity across your house.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It’s a byproduct of unfinished combustion in fuel-burning units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It produces an extreme health risk. In low concentrations, it can lead to flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It may be deadly in large amounts.
We suggest yearly furnace maintenance to ensure your system is working smoothly. This job allows our professionals to discover troubles before they get bigger, including malfunctions that can cause carbon monoxide leaks.
The best way to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to put in detectors. These alarms must be on each floor near bedrooms and living areas.
Improve Your Residence’s Air Quality with the Heartland Heating & Cooling Professionals
Aware that your house has bad air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which solution is a good fit for you? Give our friendly HVAC experts a call at 515-344-3579 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and pro service, we’ll help you choose the ideal equipment for your home and budget.