If you’re uncertain whether your Tucson and Phoenix house has poor indoor air quality (IAQ), it probably does.
We are indoors a lot. In reality, 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 might create long-term health issues.
Most Common Origins of Bad IAQ
We’ve compiled a list of the most common sources of inferior IAQ, the issues they make and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re troubled by the air inside your residence, we advise consulting with a pro like Desert Husky HVAC/R Services about which products are ideal for your house.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes emitted from common household items.
They’re found in paint and stains along with:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these fumes accumulate in your home, they may irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They may also create headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your house 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 use the manufacturer’s directions when painting or cleaning. Opening a window can help fumes disappear faster.
Air purification systems can also make it better. This system partners with your heating and cooling unit to freshen indoor air. When seeking a model, ensure 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 moved by your residence’s comfort system. While you can vacuum more regularly and get an improved air filter, an air filtration system could be a better fit.
This solution hooks to your heating and cooling equipment to provide strong filtration. Some types offer hospital-level filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.
Lasting Odors
New houses are closely sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is great for your heating and cooling expenses, it’s not ideal for your IAQ.
Musty odors can hang around for a greater amount of time as your residence is pulling in less fresh air. As keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t doable, here are two ways you can make your indoor air smell fresher.
An air purification system is installed in your ductwork to eliminate odors before they recirculate. Find one with a carbon filter and the ability to eliminate damaging VOCs. These units can also help keep your family healthy by eliminating most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system removes stuffy indoor air and substitutes it with fresh outdoor air. There are two kinds of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our professionals for more information on which kind is ideal for your home.
Uneven Humidity
It’s critical your residence’s humidity remains even. Air that’s too humid can cause mold, while dry air can create respiratory troubles.
Our experts suggest 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours steady, think over getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your heating and cooling equipment.
In place of having to drag a humidifier from room to room, this equipment delivers even humidity across your house.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It occurs when there’s insufficient combustion in fuel-burning units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It presents a severe health risk. In small levels, it can cause flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It can be deadly in big amounts.
We advise regular furnace maintenance to ensure your unit is working properly. This job allows our pros to see problems before they get bigger, 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 should be on all floors by bedrooms and living rooms.
Better Your Home’s Air Quality with the Desert Husky HVAC/R Services Professionals
Know that your residence has poor air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which option is a good fit for you? Give our friendly HVAC experts a call at 520-416-5415 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and professional support, we’ll help you locate the ideal solution for your home and budget.