If you’re unsure whether your Derby home has unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely 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 worse than outdoors, which may create long-term health issues.

Most Common Sources of Bad IAQ

We’ve made a list of the most ordinary origins of inferior IAQ, the problems they make and how you can take care of these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your residence, we advise consulting with a specialist like Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning about which solutions are a good fit for your home.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals leaked by everyday household things.

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

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

When these vapors accumulate indoors, they can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They may also cause headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your house is in a rural or industrial location, an EPA study found indoor levels of these chemicals can be 2–5 times greater than the air outside.

Always use the manufacturer’s guidelines when painting or cleaning. Opening a window can help fumes disperse faster.

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

Dust and Pet Dander

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

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

Persistent 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.

Musty odors can stay around for a greater amount of time because your residence is pulling in a smaller amount of fresh air. Because keeping your windows open all year-round isn’t a possibility, here are two approaches you can make your indoor air smell better.

An air purification system is installed in your ductwork to wipe out odors before they get released again. Look for one with a carbon filter and the power to break down dangerous VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your household healthy by getting rid of most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system takes out stale indoor air and replaces it with clean outdoor air. There are two types of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our professionals for more information on which type is ideal for your residence.

Uneven Humidity

It’s essential your residence’s humidity keeps even. Air that’s too humid can cause mold, while dry air can cause respiratory issues.

Our specialists suggest 40–50% for top comfort. To keep yours steady, think about getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your HVAC system.

Rather than having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this solution delivers consistent 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 presents a severe health risk. In little levels, it can cause flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It can be lethal in big concentrations.

We recommend annual furnace maintenance to double-check your unit is operating smoothly. This work allows our techs to spot troubles before they begin, including malfunctions that can cause carbon monoxide leaks.

The best way to keep your residence free of carbon monoxide is to install detectors. These alarms must be on every floor near bedrooms and living spaces.

Enhance Your Residence’s Air Quality with the Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning Experts

Aware that your home has bad air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which option is ideal for you? Give our friendly HVAC pros a call at 203-772-8319 or contact us online now. With free estimates and expert service, we’ll help you choose the ideal equipment for your home and budget.