If you’re questioning whether your Norton house has unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely 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 concerns.

Most Common Sources of Unsatisfactory IAQ

We’ve put together a list of the most ordinary causes of poor IAQ, the troubles they create and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your residence, we advise consulting with a expert like HCE Systems about which products are a good fit for your home.

Volatile Organic Compounds

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

They’re found in paint and stains along with:

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

When these vapors accumulate in your home, they can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They may also create headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your home is in a rural or industrial space, an EPA study found indoor levels of these pollutants can be 2–5 times worse than the air outdoors.

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

Air purification systems can also improve your air. This system partners with your heating and cooling system to freshen indoor air. When looking for a system, ensure it’s specifically designed to wipe out VOCs.

Dust and Pet Dander

Dust and pet dander can aggravate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it constantly gets recirculated by your residence’s comfort equipment. While you can vacuum more regularly and buy an improved air filter, an air filtration system could be a better fit.

This solution hooks to your heating and cooling equipment to deliver powerful filtration. Some kinds have hospital-level filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.

Persistent Odors

Newer residences are tightly sealed to boost energy efficiency. While this is good for your energy expenses, it’s not ideal for your IAQ.

Stale odors can stick around for a greater amount of time as your home is pulling in reduced 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 cleaner.

An air purification system is placed in your HVAC system to wipe out odors before they get released again. Find one with a carbon filter and the ability to eliminate damaging VOCs. These units can also help keep your family healthy by wiping out most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system takes out musty indoor air and exchanges it with clean outdoor air. There are two types of units (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our professionals for more information on which type is best for your house.

Unsteady Humidity

It’s essential your home’s humidity remains even. Air that has too much moisture can create mold, while dry air can create respiratory concerns.

Our techs suggest 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours steady, think about getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your comfort unit.

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 a byproduct of insufficient combustion in fuel-burning units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.

It causes a severe health risk. In little levels, it can lead to flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It can be fatal in large levels.

We suggest annual furnace maintenance to double-check your equipment is operating like it should. This work allows our professionals to pinpoint troubles before they start, including malfunctions that can cause carbon monoxide leaks.

The best way to keep your residence free of carbon monoxide is to put in detectors. These alarms need to be on each floor close to bedrooms and living areas.

Enhance Your House’s Air Quality with the HCE Systems Pros

Informed that your residence has bad air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which product is ideal for you? Give our friendly HVAC pros a call at 276-302-0076 or contact us online now. With free estimates and expert assistance, we’ll help you choose the ideal option for your family and budget.