If you’re unsure whether your Mankato area home has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it possibly does.
We are indoors a lot. In reality, we’re indoors up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside houses can be 2–5 times more contaminated than outdoors, which can create long-term health issues.
Most Common Origins of Poor IAQ
We’ve put together a list of the most ordinary sources of poor IAQ, the issues they make and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your residence, we recommend talking with a expert like Northern Comfort Inc about which products are a good fit for your home.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals leaked by regular 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 build up inside, they might irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They can also cause headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your home is in a rural or industrial location, an EPA study found indoor levels of these fumes can be 2–5 times greater than the air outside your home.
Always adhere to the manufacturer’s directions when applying paint or spraying cleaning products. Opening a window can help fumes disperse more quickly.
Air purification systems can also help. This unit partners with your heating and cooling system to freshen indoor air. When seeking a model, make sure it’s specifically made to eliminate 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 house’s heating and cooling equipment. While you can vacuum more frequently and install an enhanced air filter, an air filtration system may be a better fit.
This equipment hooks to your heating and cooling unit to deliver strong filtration. Some models have hospital-level filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.
Lingering Odors
New houses are tightly sealed to boost energy efficiency. While this is good for your heating and cooling costs, it’s not so good for your IAQ.
Musty odors can stick around longer because your house is taking in reduced fresh air. Because keeping your windows open all year round isn’t an option, here are two ways you can make your indoor air smell better.
An air purification system is put in your ductwork to eliminate odors before they are redistributed. Search for one with a carbon filter and the power to wipe out dangerous VOCs. These systems can also help keep your family healthy by eliminating most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system takes out stuffy indoor air and exchanges it with fresh outdoor air. There are two kinds of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our techs for more information on which type is best for your house.
Unsteady Humidity
It’s essential your residence’s humidity stays steady. Air that’s too moist can cause mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory concerns.
Our professionals advise 40–50% for ideal comfort. To keep yours in balance, consider installing a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your HVAC system.
In place of having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this product provides even humidity throughout your home.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is gas you can’t see or smell. It’s caused by unfinished combustion in fuel-burning units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It poses an extreme health risk. In little amounts, it can cause flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It can be lethal in large concentrations.
We advise yearly furnace maintenance to double-check your equipment is operating properly. This job allows our technicians to pinpoint problems before they begin, including malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.
The best approach to keep your residence free of carbon monoxide is to install detectors. These alarms need to be on all floors by bedrooms and living spaces.
Better Your Residence’s Air Quality with the Northern Comfort Inc Professionals
Informed that your house has inferior air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which product is best for you? Give our kind HVAC specialists a call at 507-387-6596 or contact us online now. With free estimates and professional assistance, we’ll help you find the best equipment for your family and budget.