If you’re unsure whether your Columbia residence has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely 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 could create long-term health issues.

Most Common Sources of Unsatisfactory IAQ

We’ve compiled a list of the most frequent origins of inferior IAQ, the troubles they make and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your home, we recommend talking with a professional like Watts Electric & AC about which products are a good fit for your family.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are vapors emitted from regular household items.

They’re found in paint and stains along with:

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

When these fumes accumulate indoors, they can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They can also create headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your residence 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 outdoors.

Always follow the manufacturer’s directions when using paint or cleaning supplies. Cracking a window can help odors disappear faster.

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

Dust and Pet Dander

Dust and pet dander can irritate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it constantly gets redistributed by your house’s comfort system. While you can vacuum more frequently and install an improved air filter, an air filtration system might be a better solution.

This solution hooks to your heating and cooling equipment to provide mighty filtration. Some kinds provide hospital-level filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.

Lingering Odors

New homes are securely sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is good for your heating and cooling bill, 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. As keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t doable, here are two approaches you can make your indoor air smell better.

An air purification system is placed in your ducts to wipe out odors before they are redistributed. Find one with a carbon filter and the capability to break down damaging VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your loved ones healthy by getting rid of most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system takes out musty indoor air and exchanges it with crisp outdoor air. There are two models of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our professionals for more details on which type is ideal for your house.

Unbalanced Humidity

It’s critical your residence’s humidity stays even. Air that’s too humid can lead to mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory concerns.

Our professionals suggest 40–50% for top comfort. To keep yours even, consider getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your comfort equipment.

Rather than having to lug 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 occurs when there’s insufficient combustion in fuel-burning appliances, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.

It presents a serious health risk. In low levels, it can create flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It can be fatal in heavy levels.

We recommend annual furnace maintenance to double-check your equipment is operating properly. This job allows our specialists to find issues before they start, including malfunctions that can cause carbon monoxide leaks.

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

Better Your Home’s Air Quality with the Watts Electric & AC Pros

Aware that your house has inferior air quality but not sure how to enhance it? Or unsure which option is right for you? Give our friendly HVAC experts a call at 601-736-7362 or contact us online today. With free estimates and pro service, we’ll help you find the best equipment for your home and budget.