If you’re unsure whether your Franklin Lakes home has poor indoor air quality (IAQ), it possibly does.
We are indoors a lot. In 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 polluted than outdoors, which can result in long-term health concerns.
Most Common Origins of Unsatisfactory IAQ
We’ve compiled a list of the most common causes of inferior IAQ, the problems they create and how you can take care of these indoor air pollutants. If you’re troubled by the air inside your house, we suggest talking with a specialist like Total Comfort about which products are best for your family.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are vapors 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 vapors accumulate in your home, they may irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They can also result in headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your house 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 outdoors.
Always adhere to the manufacturer’s directions when applying paint or spraying cleaning products. Cracking a window can help chemicals disappear faster.
Air purification systems can also better your air. This unit collaborates with your heating and cooling system to clean indoor air. When seeking one, make sure it’s specifically designed to eradicate VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can irritate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it constantly gets recirculated by your residence’s heating and cooling equipment. While you can vacuum more frequently and install a better air filter, an air filtration system could be a better match.
This solution works with your comfort unit to deliver strong filtration. Some models offer hospital-quality filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.
Persistent Odors
New residences are closely sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is great for your heating and cooling expenses, it’s not ideal for your IAQ.
Musty odors can hang around for an extended amount of time because your residence is drawing in a smaller amount of fresh air. Since keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t doable, here are two ways you can make your indoor air smell fresher.
An air purification system is placed in your HVAC system to neutralize odors before they are redistributed. Search for one with a carbon filter and the capability to wipe out damaging VOCs. These units can also help keep your loved ones healthy by eliminating most bacteria and ordinary 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 types of systems (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our experts for more information on which type is ideal for your residence.
Uneven Humidity
It’s critical your house’s humidity remains even. Air that has too much moisture can lead to mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory issues.
Our pros suggest 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours in balance, think about getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your HVAC equipment.
In place of having to drag a humidifier from room to room, this equipment delivers consistent humidity across your residence.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It’s caused by unfinished combustion in fuel-burning appliances, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It produces a serious health risk. In small levels, it can lead to flu-like sickness like headaches and nausea. It may be deadly in large concentrations.
We suggest annual furnace maintenance to double-check your equipment is running like it should. This work allows our professionals to pinpoint problems before they start, including malfunctions that can cause carbon monoxide leaks.
The best way to keep your residence free of carbon monoxide is to install detectors. These alarms should be on all floors by bedrooms and living spaces.
Enhance Your Residence’s Air Quality with the Total Comfort Experts
Know that your home has inferior air quality but not sure how to enhance it? Or unsure which solution is best for you? Give our friendly HVAC experts a call at 201-268-5663 or contact us online today. With free estimates and pro support, we’ll help you choose the right option for your home and budget.