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

We are indoors a lot. As a matter of fact, we’re inside 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 can create long-term health problems.

Most Common Causes of Poor IAQ

We’ve put together a list of the most ordinary sources of poor IAQ, the troubles they make and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your house, we advise consulting with a pro like Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC about which products are a good fit for your house.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes released by everyday 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 accumulate in your home, they may irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They may also cause headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your home is in a rural or industrial space, an EPA study found indoor levels of these chemicals can be 2–5 times higher than the air outdoors.

Always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines when applying paint or spraying cleaning products. Opening a window can help fumes disappear faster.

Air purification systems can also help. This system partners with your heating and cooling equipment to freshen indoor air. When hunting for a model, ensure it’s specifically made to wipe out VOCs.

Dust and Pet Dander

Dust and pet dander can trigger health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continuously gets moved by your home’s comfort unit. While you can vacuum more regularly and get an improved air filter, an air filtration system might be a better match.

This unit hooks to your comfort equipment to provide strong filtration. Some models offer hospital-level filtration for eliminating particles and bioaerosols.

Lasting Odors

Newer houses are closely sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your heating and cooling costs, it’s not ideal for your IAQ.

Musty odors can hang around for a greater amount of time because your home is pulling in a smaller amount of fresh air. Since keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t a possibility, here are two methods you can make your indoor air smell cleaner.

An air purification system is placed in your HVAC system to wipe out odors before they recirculate. Look for one with a carbon filter and the power to wipe out harmful VOCs. These units 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 exchanges it with fresh outdoor air. There are two models of systems (heat recovery and energy recovery), so call our professionals for more information on which type is best for your residence.

Unsteady Humidity

It’s critical your house’s humidity remains even. Air that’s too humid can create mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory issues.

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

Rather than having to drag a humidifier from room to room, this product delivers even humidity throughout your house.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It’s caused by insufficient combustion in fuel-burning units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.

It produces an extreme health risk. In small levels, it can cause flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It can be deadly in heavy levels.

We advise regular furnace maintenance to make sure your system is working properly. This service allows our specialists to discover troubles before they begin, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.

The best method to keep your house free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms need to be on all floors close to bedrooms and living rooms.

Improve Your Residence’s Air Quality with the Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC Experts

Aware that your residence has poor air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which solution is ideal for you? Give our friendly HVAC experts a call at 715-318-6728 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and professional assistance, we’ll help you find the right option for your home and budget.