If you’re questioning whether your Williamsport home has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely does.
We spend much of our time indoors. In reality, we’re in a building up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside residences can be 2–5 times worse than outdoors, which may create long-term health concerns.
Most Common Origins of Unsatisfactory IAQ
We’ve made a list of the most common sources of poor IAQ, the troubles they create and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your home, we advise talking with a professional like Lycoming Heating Company about which products are best for your family.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes leaked by regular household products.
They’re found in paint and stains in addition to:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these fumes build up indoors, they might irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They may also lead to headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your house is in a rural or industrial space, an EPA study found indoor levels of these pollutants can be 2–5 times worse than the air outside your home.
Always use the manufacturer’s guidelines when using paint or cleaning supplies. Opening a window can help odors disappear faster.
Air purification systems can also improve your air. This equipment partners with your heating and cooling system to clean indoor air. When hunting for a model, make sure it’s specifically designed to wipe out VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can trigger health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it constantly gets redistributed by your home’s comfort unit. While you can vacuum more routinely and get an enhanced air filter, an air filtration system may be a better solution.
This solution hooks to your HVAC equipment to give mighty filtration. Some types have hospital-level filtration for eliminating particles and bioaerosols.
Persistent Odors
Modern houses are securely sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is great for your energy bill, it’s not ideal for your IAQ.
Stale odors can stay around for an extended amount of time as your house is pulling in less fresh air. Since keeping your windows open throughout the year 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 wipe out odors before they are redistributed. Look for one with a carbon filter and the ability to break down dangerous VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your family healthy by getting rid of most bacteria and normal allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system takes out stuffy indoor air and exchanges it with crisp outdoor air. There are two types of systems (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our pros for more details on which kind is right for your house.
Unsteady Humidity
It’s important your house’s humidity keeps balanced. Air that’s too moist can cause mold, while dry air can cause respiratory symptoms.
Our professionals advise 40–50% for top comfort. To keep yours in balance, think about installing a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your heating and cooling equipment.
Rather than having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this equipment delivers even humidity throughout your home.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is clear gas you can’t smell. It’s caused by insufficient combustion in fuel-burning units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It creates a severe health risk. In low levels, it can cause flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It can be deadly in big amounts.
We advise yearly furnace maintenance to ensure your equipment is operating properly. This job allows our technicians to see problems before they start, including malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.
The best approach to keep your residence free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms must be on all floors near bedrooms and living rooms.
Enhance Your Residence’s Air Quality with the Lycoming Heating Company Specialists
Informed that your house has bad air quality but not sure how to enhance it? Or unsure which option is right for you? Give our friendly HVAC specialists a call at 570-326-4450 or contact us online today. With free estimates and expert service, we’ll help you find the ideal solution for your family and budget.