If you’re unsure whether your Wisconsin Rapids house has unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ), it probably does.
We spend a lot of time inside. In fact, we’re in a building up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside residences may be 2–5 times worse than outdoors, which can result in long-term health issues.
Most Common Origins of Poor IAQ
We’ve compiled a list of the most frequent sources of bad IAQ, the troubles they make and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your home, we advise consulting with a expert like Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc about which products are ideal for your home.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals emitted from common household products.
They’re found in paint and stains along with:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these vapors build up in your home, they can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They can also create headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your house is in a rural or industrial location, 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 instructions when painting or cleaning. Cracking a window can help chemicals disappear more quickly.
Air purification systems can also make it better. This unit collaborates with your heating and cooling system to enhance indoor air. When hunting for a model, ensure it’s specifically created to eradicate VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can irritate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continually gets redistributed by your house’s comfort system. While you can vacuum more regularly and buy a better air filter, an air filtration system may be a better match.
This solution hooks to your heating and cooling equipment to provide powerful filtration. Some kinds offer hospital-level filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.
Persistent Odors
Modern homes are tightly sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your energy expenses, it’s not very good for your IAQ.
Stale odors can hang around for an extended amount of time as your home is taking in less fresh air. As keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t a possibility, here are two approaches you can make your indoor air smell better.
An air purification system is installed in your ducts to eliminate odors before they get released again. Look for one with a carbon filter and the capability to break down damaging VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your loved ones healthy by wiping out most bacteria and normal allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system pulls out stuffy indoor air and substitutes it with clean outdoor air. There are two models of units (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our techs for more information on which solution is right for your residence.
Unbalanced Humidity
It’s important your residence’s humidity keeps steady. Air that’s too humid can cause mold, while dry air can create respiratory issues.
Our specialists advise 40–50% for ideal comfort. To keep yours even, consider installing a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your comfort system.
Rather than having to pull a humidifier from room to room, this product delivers even humidity across your residence.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is clear gas you can’t smell. It’s a byproduct of incomplete combustion in fuel-burning units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It creates an extreme health risk. In low amounts, it can lead to flu-like sickness like headaches and nausea. It could be lethal in large concentrations.
We advise regular furnace maintenance to double-check your equipment is working properly. This work allows our technicians to see troubles before they start, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.
The best approach to keep your house free of carbon monoxide is to put in detectors. These alarms must be on all floors close to bedrooms and living areas.
Better Your Residence’s Air Quality with the Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc Specialists
Know that your residence has poor air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which product is a good fit for you? Give our kind HVAC specialists a call at 715-301-0256 or contact us online now. With free estimates and pro assistance, we’ll help you find the right option for your needs and budget.