If you’re questioning whether your Wisconsin Rapids house has poor indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely does.

We are indoors a lot. In fact, we’re inside up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside houses could be 2–5 times worse than outdoors, which might create long-term health concerns.

Most Common Origins of Unsatisfactory IAQ

We’ve compiled a list of the most ordinary sources of poor IAQ, the troubles they create and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re troubled by the air inside your home, we advise talking with a pro like Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc about which solutions are a good fit for your home.

Volatile Organic Compounds

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

They’re found in paint and stains along with:

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

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

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

Air purification systems can also make it better. This equipment partners with your heating and cooling equipment to freshen indoor air. When hunting for a model, ensure it’s specifically created to eliminate VOCs.

Dust and Pet Dander

Dust and pet dander can aggravate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it constantly gets redistributed by your house’s comfort system. While you can vacuum more regularly and install an improved air filter, an air filtration system may be a better match.

This equipment hooks to your heating and cooling equipment to provide powerful filtration. Some types offer hospital-level filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.

Persistent Odors

New houses are tightly sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your energy 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 reduced fresh air. As keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t an option, here are two methods you can make your indoor air smell cleaner.

An air purification system is installed in your ducts to wipe out odors before they get released again. Search for one with a carbon filter and the ability to wipe out damaging VOCs. These systems can also help keep your family 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 kinds of units (heat recovery and energy recovery), so call our professionals for more info on which kind is right for your residence.

Unbalanced Humidity

It’s important your residence’s humidity keeps even. Air that’s too moist can cause mold, while dry air can create respiratory concerns.

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

In place of having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this equipment 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 appliances, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.

It creates a severe health risk. In small levels, it can lead to flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It can be fatal in large amounts.

We recommend yearly furnace maintenance to make sure your system is operating properly. This work allows our specialists to spot problems before they get bigger, including malfunctions that can cause carbon monoxide leaks.

The best method to keep your house free of carbon monoxide is to put in detectors. These alarms should be on all floors by bedrooms and living rooms.

Improve Your House’s Air Quality with the Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc Pros

Aware that your residence has inferior air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which product is a good fit for you? Give our friendly HVAC pros a call at 715-301-0256 or contact us online now. With free estimates and professional assistance, we’ll help you find the right solution for your family and budget.