If you’re uncertain whether your Chelan and Wenatchee house has bad 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 more polluted than outdoors, which might result in long-term health problems.
Most Common Origins of Poor IAQ
We’ve made a list of the most ordinary origins of poor IAQ, the issues they make and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your home, we suggest talking with a expert like Lakeside Heating & Air about which solutions are best for your family.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals emitted from everyday 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 may also cause headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your house is in a rural or industrial area, an EPA study found indoor levels of these fumes can be 2–5 times higher than the air outdoors.
Always use the manufacturer’s instructions when applying paint or spraying cleaning products. Opening a window can help chemicals disperse faster.
Air purification systems can also better your air. This system works with your heating and cooling unit to freshen indoor air. When hunting for a system, make sure it’s specifically made to wipe out 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 home’s HVAC equipment. While you can vacuum more routinely and buy an enhanced air filter, an air filtration system may be a better match.
This unit hooks to your HVAC system to deliver mighty filtration. Some kinds have hospital-level filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.
Lasting Odors
New houses are securely sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is good for your utility bill, it’s not very good for your IAQ.
Musty odors can hang around for a greater amount of time because your house is pulling in less fresh air. Because keeping your windows open all year round isn’t a possibility, here are two ways you can make your indoor air smell better.
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 power to break down harmful VOCs. These systems 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 stale indoor air and substitutes it with clean outdoor air. There are two types of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so call our specialists for more information on which solution is ideal for your residence.
Unbalanced Humidity
It’s critical your house’s humidity remains steady. Air that has too much moisture can lead to mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory troubles.
Our technicians suggest 40–50% for top comfort. To keep yours steady, consider installing a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your heating and cooling unit.
In place of having to drag a humidifier from room to room, this product provides even humidity across your house.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It’s caused by incomplete combustion in fuel-burning appliances, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It presents a severe health risk. In little concentrations, it can create flu-like sickness like headaches and nausea. It can be lethal in big levels.
We recommend yearly furnace maintenance to ensure your equipment is running properly. This work allows our techs to find troubles before they begin, including malfunctions that can cause carbon monoxide leaks.
The best method to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to put in detectors. These alarms need to be on all floors near bedrooms and living spaces.
Better Your House’s Air Quality with the Lakeside Heating & Air Experts
Aware that your home has inferior air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which product is ideal for you? Give our approachable HVAC specialists a call at 509-284-4265 or contact us online today. With free estimates and pro support, we’ll help you choose the best solution for your needs and budget.