If you’re questioning whether your Manassas house has unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely does.
We are indoors a lot. In fact, we’re indoors up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside homes can be 2–5 times worse than outdoors, which might lead to long-term health problems.
Most Common Origins of Poor IAQ
We’ve put together a list of the most ordinary causes of inferior IAQ, the issues they cause and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re troubled by the air inside your house, we suggest consulting with a expert like Air-Right Energy Design, Inc. about which options are a good fit for your home.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals released by regular household things.
They’re found in paint and stains as well as:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these fumes accumulate indoors, they may irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They might also cause headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your home is in a rural or industrial area, an EPA study found indoor levels of these pollutants can be 2–5 times worse than the air outdoors.
Always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines when painting or cleaning. Cracking a window can help vapors dissipate faster.
Air purification systems can also make it better. This system partners with your heating and cooling equipment to freshen indoor air. When seeking a model, make sure it’s specifically created to eliminate VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can aggravate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continually gets redistributed by your house’s comfort unit. While you can vacuum more routinely and install an enhanced air filter, an air filtration system may be a better fit.
This solution hooks to your heating and cooling equipment to give mighty filtration. Some models have hospital-level filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.
Persistent Odors
Newer residences are tightly sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your utility expenses, it’s not so good for your IAQ.
Stale odors can stick around for an extended amount of time since your residence is taking in less fresh air. As keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t an option, here are two ways you can make your indoor air smell cleaner.
An air purification system is put in your ducts to neutralize odors before they recirculate. Search for one with a carbon filter and the capability to wipe out damaging VOCs. These systems can also help keep your loved ones healthy by getting rid of most bacteria and ordinary allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system removes stale indoor air and exchanges it with clean outdoor air. There are two types of units (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our specialists for more info on which type is best for your home.
Unbalanced Humidity
It’s important your residence’s humidity keeps steady. Air that has too much moisture can lead to mold, while dry air can cause respiratory concerns.
Our technicians advise 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours even, think over installing a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your comfort equipment.
In place of having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this solution gives even humidity across your residence.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is clear gas you can’t smell. It’s a byproduct of unfinished combustion in fuel-burning appliances, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It poses a serious health risk. In small concentrations, it can create flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It may be fatal in large levels.
We advise annual furnace maintenance to double-check your system is working like it should. This job allows our specialists to pinpoint issues before they get bigger, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.
The best way to keep your house free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms need to be on all floors near bedrooms and living spaces.
Enhance Your Home’s Air Quality with the Air-Right Energy Design, Inc. Specialists
Informed that your residence has poor air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which option is best for you? Give our approachable HVAC experts a call at 703-260-1148 or contact us online now. With free estimates and professional assistance, we’ll help you find the ideal option for your needs and budget.