If you’re uncertain whether your Ellsworth residence has poor indoor air quality (IAQ), it possibly does.

We are indoors a lot. In fact, we’re in a building 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 create long-term health problems.

Most Common Causes of Bad IAQ

We’ve made a list of the most ordinary origins of bad IAQ, the issues they cause and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re troubled by the air inside your house, we advise consulting with a professional like Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC about which products are best for your house.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals leaked by everyday household items.

They’re found in paint and stains as well as:

  • Furniture
  • Carpet
  • Building materials
  • Cleaning products
  • Cosmetics
  • Air fresheners
  • Candles

When these chemicals accumulate indoors, they can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They can 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 chemicals can be 2–5 times worse than the air outside your home.

Always use the manufacturer’s instructions when using paint or cleaning supplies. Opening a window can help vapors disappear faster.

Air purification systems can also better your air. This system partners with your heating and cooling system to improve indoor air. When hunting for a system, ensure it’s specifically created to eradicate VOCs.

Dust and Pet Dander

Dust and pet dander can aggravate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continually gets recirculated by your residence’s comfort unit. While you can vacuum more routinely and buy an improved air filter, an air filtration system might be a better match.

This equipment hooks to your HVAC equipment to give mighty filtration. Some types have hospital-level filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.

Persistent Odors

New residences are tightly sealed to boost energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your heating and cooling expenses, it’s not ideal for your IAQ.

Stuffy odors can hang around for a greater amount of time because your home is pulling in less fresh air. Since keeping your windows open all the time isn’t a possibility, here are two approaches you can make your indoor air smell better.

An air purification system is placed in your HVAC system to wipe out odors before they recirculate. Find one with a carbon filter and the ability to wipe out harmful VOCs. These units can also help keep your family healthy by eliminating most bacteria and common 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 call our professionals for more details on which solution is best for your residence.

Unsteady Humidity

It’s critical your home’s humidity keeps even. Air that has too much moisture can cause mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory concerns.

Our professionals suggest 40–50% for top comfort. To keep yours in balance, think about getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your heating and cooling unit.

In place of having to drag 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’s a byproduct of insufficient combustion in fuel-burning appliances, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.

It produces a serious health risk. In small levels, it can cause flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It could be deadly in heavy concentrations.

We recommend yearly furnace maintenance to double-check your unit is operating smoothly. This service allows our pros to spot troubles before they begin, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.

The best way to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms must be on all floors close to bedrooms and living areas.

Enhance Your House’s Air Quality with the Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC Professionals

Informed that your house has bad air quality but not sure how to enhance it? Or unsure which option is best for you? Give our friendly HVAC pros a call at 715-318-6728 or contact us online now. With free estimates and professional service, we’ll help you find the ideal option for your needs and budget.