If you’re uncertain whether your Port St. Lucie residence has poor indoor air quality (IAQ), it probably 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 houses could be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoors, which may lead to long-term health problems.
Most Common Causes of Unsatisfactory IAQ
We’ve made a list of the most common causes of poor IAQ, the problems they create and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re troubled by the air inside your residence, we recommend talking with a expert like Custom Air Systems Inc about which products are best for your house.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are vapors leaked by regular household things.
They’re found in paint and stains along with:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these chemicals collect in your home, they can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They may 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 fumes can be 2–5 times worse than the air outside your home.
Always adhere to the manufacturer’s directions when painting or cleaning. Unlatching a window can help vapors disappear faster.
Air purification systems can also help. This equipment works with your heating and cooling system to improve indoor air. When looking for one, make sure it’s specifically made to eliminate VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can irritate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continually gets recirculated by your home’s comfort unit. While you can vacuum more frequently and install an improved air filter, an air filtration system may be a better match.
This solution works with your HVAC equipment to give strong filtration. Some models provide hospital-level filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.
Persistent Odors
Newer houses are tightly sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is great for your heating and cooling costs, it’s not very good for your IAQ.
Musty odors can hang around for an extended amount of time since your house is taking in a smaller amount of 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 neutralize odors before they recirculate. Look for one with a carbon filter and the power to break down harmful VOCs. These systems can also help keep your loved ones healthy by wiping out most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system removes musty indoor air and exchanges it with clean outdoor air. There are two models of units (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our technicians for more information on which solution is right for your residence.
Uneven Humidity
It’s important your residence’s humidity keeps even. Air that’s too moist can create mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory symptoms.
Our professionals 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 comfort equipment.
Instead of having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this equipment provides balanced humidity around your house.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is clear 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 severe health risk. In small levels, it can lead to flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It could be deadly in big levels.
We suggest yearly furnace maintenance to ensure your system is running smoothly. This service allows our technicians to spot issues before they start, including malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.
The best approach to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to put in detectors. These alarms must be on all floors near bedrooms and living rooms.
Improve Your House’s Air Quality with the Custom Air Systems Inc Specialists
Informed that your home has poor air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which solution is right for you? Give our approachable HVAC pros a call at 772-247-2283 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and professional assistance, we’ll help you find the best solution for your needs and budget.