If you’re unsure whether your Columbia home has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it possibly does.

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

Most Common Causes of Unsatisfactory IAQ

We’ve made a list of the most ordinary sources of inferior IAQ, the problems they make and how you can take care of these indoor air pollutants. If you’re troubled by the air inside your house, we recommend talking with a pro like Watts Electric & AC about which options are ideal for your family.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals leaked by regular household products.

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

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

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

Always adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions when using paint or cleaning supplies. Cracking a window can help odors disperse faster.

Air purification systems can also better your air. This equipment partners with your heating and cooling unit to improve indoor air. When seeking a model, ensure it’s specifically made to eliminate VOCs.

Dust and Pet Dander

Dust and pet dander can trigger health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continually gets moved by your home’s comfort unit. While you can vacuum more frequently and install an improved air filter, an air filtration system could be a better solution.

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

Lingering Odors

Modern residences are securely sealed to boost energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your energy costs, it’s not so good for your IAQ.

Stuffy odors can stay around for a greater amount of time since your house is pulling in reduced fresh air. Because keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t a possibility, here are two methods you can make your indoor air smell better.

An air purification system is placed in your HVAC system to wipe out odors before they get released again. Look for one with a carbon filter and the ability to break down dangerous 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 removes stuffy indoor air and exchanges it with clean outdoor air. There are two models of units (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our professionals for more information on which kind is best for your residence.

Unbalanced Humidity

It’s important your residence’s humidity stays even. Air that’s too moist can lead to mold, while dry air can cause respiratory symptoms.

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 comfort unit.

Instead of having to pull a humidifier from room to room, this solution delivers balanced humidity around your house.

Carbon Monoxide

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

It creates an extreme health risk. In small levels, it can lead to flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It can be fatal in big amounts.

We advise annual furnace maintenance to ensure your system is operating like it should. This work allows our techs to see troubles before they get bigger, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.

The best method to keep your residence free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms need to be on every floor by bedrooms and living spaces.

Improve Your House’s Air Quality with the Watts Electric & AC Specialists

Know that your residence has inferior air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which product is right for you? Give our friendly HVAC pros a call at 601-736-7362 or contact us online today. With free estimates and pro assistance, we’ll help you locate the right solution for your family and budget.