If you’re uncertain whether your Murrieta house has unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ), it probably does.
We spend a lot of time inside. In reality, we’re indoors up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside residences could be 2–5 times more contaminated than outdoors, which may lead to long-term health concerns.
Most Common Origins of Unsatisfactory IAQ
We’ve made a list of the most frequent origins of inferior IAQ, the issues they cause and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re troubled by the air inside your house, we advise talking with a specialist like Cool Air Solutions about which solutions are best for your family.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes released by common household products.
They’re found in paint and stains along with:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these fumes accumulate inside, they might irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They might also cause headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your residence is in a rural or industrial location, 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 guidelines when using paint or cleaning supplies. Cracking a window can help vapors disappear faster.
Air purification systems can also help. This equipment partners with your heating and cooling unit to enhance indoor air. When hunting for one, make sure it’s specifically made to wipe out VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can irritate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it constantly gets redistributed by your residence’s comfort unit. While you can vacuum more routinely and get a better air filter, an air filtration system may be a better fit.
This solution hooks to your comfort equipment to give mighty filtration. Some types offer hospital-level filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.
Persistent Odors
New homes are tightly sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is good for your utility expenses, it’s not very good for your IAQ.
Stuffy odors can stick around for an extended amount of time because your home is taking in less fresh air. Because keeping your windows open all year round isn’t a possibility, 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 recirculate. Look for one with a carbon filter and the capability to eliminate harmful VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your household healthy by getting rid of most bacteria and ordinary allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system removes stale indoor air and substitutes it with fresh outdoor air. There are two types of systems (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our technicians for more information on which kind is ideal for your home.
Uneven Humidity
It’s essential your home’s humidity stays balanced. Air that has too much moisture can cause mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory issues.
Our experts advise 40–50% for ideal comfort. To keep yours steady, consider installing a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your HVAC equipment.
Instead of having to pull a humidifier from room to room, this equipment provides even humidity across your house.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is gas you can’t see or smell. It’s a byproduct of incomplete combustion in fuel-burning units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It produces an extreme health risk. In little levels, it can create flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It can be deadly in large concentrations.
We suggest regular furnace maintenance to ensure your equipment is operating like it should. This work allows our technicians to find issues before they begin, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.
The best way to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to put in detectors. These alarms should be on every floor near bedrooms and living rooms.
Improve Your Home’s Air Quality with the Cool Air Solutions Specialists
Know that your home has poor air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which product is ideal for you? Give our approachable HVAC professionals a call at 951-299-9853 or contact us online today. With free estimates and expert assistance, we’ll help you choose the ideal option for your home and budget.