If you’re unsure whether your Wisconsin Rapids home has bad 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 could create long-term health issues.

Most Common Origins of Bad IAQ

We’ve put together a list of the most frequent sources of bad IAQ, the problems they create and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your home, we suggest consulting with a specialist like Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc about which solutions are best for your house.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes leaked by regular household items.

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

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

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

Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when using paint or cleaning supplies. Cracking a window can help fumes disperse faster.

Air purification systems can also help. This system partners with your heating and cooling equipment to improve indoor air. When looking for a model, ensure it’s specifically designed to eliminate VOCs.

Dust and Pet Dander

Dust and pet dander can aggravate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continuously gets moved by your home’s comfort unit. While you can vacuum more regularly and get an improved air filter, an air filtration system could be a better solution.

This solution hooks to your comfort equipment to deliver mighty filtration. Some types provide hospital-level filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.

Persistent Odors

Modern houses are securely sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your heating and cooling expenses, it’s not very good for your IAQ.

Stuffy odors can stick around for a greater amount of time as your home is pulling in a smaller amount of fresh air. As keeping your windows open all the time isn’t a possibility, here are two methods you can make your indoor air smell cleaner.

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

A ventilation system pulls out musty indoor air and replaces it with crisp outdoor air. There are two kinds of systems (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our professionals for more information on which solution is best for your house.

Unbalanced Humidity

It’s important your home’s humidity keeps even. Air that’s too humid can create mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory symptoms.

Our experts suggest 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours even, think over getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your comfort system.

In place of having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this product delivers balanced humidity throughout your house.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It occurs when there’s insufficient combustion in fuel-burning appliances, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.

It presents an extreme health risk. In little levels, it can lead to flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It could be deadly in large levels.

We suggest annual furnace maintenance to double-check your unit is running smoothly. This service allows our pros to see problems before they get bigger, including malfunctions that can cause carbon monoxide leaks.

The best way to keep your house free of carbon monoxide is to install detectors. These alarms should be on each floor close to bedrooms and living areas.

Enhance Your Residence’s Air Quality with the Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc Professionals

Informed that your home has bad air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which option is a good fit for you? Give our kind HVAC professionals a call at 715-301-0256 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and professional assistance, we’ll help you choose the best option for your family and budget.