If you’re questioning whether your Derby residence has poor 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 could be 2–5 times worse than outdoors, which might create long-term health concerns.

Most Common Causes of Bad IAQ

We’ve put together a list of the most ordinary origins of inferior IAQ, the issues they create and how you can take care of these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your house, we recommend consulting with a pro like Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning about which options are ideal for your home.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are vapors released by everyday household items.

They’re found in paint and stains in addition to:

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

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

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

Air purification systems can also help. This system partners with your heating and cooling unit to clean indoor air. When hunting for a system, ensure it’s specifically designed to eradicate VOCs.

Dust and Pet Dander

Dust and pet dander can trigger health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continuously gets moved by your home’s comfort system. While you can vacuum more routinely and buy an improved air filter, an air filtration system might be a better fit.

This equipment hooks to your heating and cooling equipment to give strong filtration. Some models offer hospital-level filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.

Lasting Odors

Newer homes are securely sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is good for your utility bill, it’s not so good for your IAQ.

Stale odors can stay around for a greater amount of time since your residence is pulling in less fresh air. Because keeping your windows open all year-round isn’t doable, here are two ways you can make your indoor air smell cleaner.

An air purification system is put in your ducts to eliminate odors before they are redistributed. Look for one with a carbon filter and the capability to eliminate harmful VOCs. These units can also help keep your household healthy by wiping out most bacteria and ordinary allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system removes stale indoor air and replaces it with fresh outdoor air. There are two types of systems (heat recovery and energy recovery), so call our professionals for more information on which solution is best for your home.

Uneven Humidity

It’s important your home’s humidity stays even. Air that’s too moist can create mold, while dry air can cause respiratory issues.

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

In place of having to drag a humidifier from room to room, this equipment delivers balanced humidity around your house.

Carbon Monoxide

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

It creates an extreme health risk. In low levels, it can create flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It can be fatal in heavy amounts.

We recommend annual furnace maintenance to double-check your unit is running smoothly. This service allows our professionals to pinpoint troubles before they start, including malfunctions that can cause carbon monoxide leaks.

The best method to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to put in detectors. These alarms must be on every floor near bedrooms and living spaces.

Better Your Home’s Air Quality with the Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning Specialists

Aware that your home has inferior air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which product is ideal for you? Give our kind HVAC specialists a call at 203-772-8319 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and expert assistance, we’ll help you find the best equipment for your needs and budget.