If you’re questioning whether your Oxford residence has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it possibly does.

We are indoors a lot. As a matter of fact, we’re inside up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside homes could be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoors, which may create long-term health issues.

Most Common Origins of Bad IAQ

We’ve compiled a list of the most ordinary sources of poor IAQ, the troubles they cause and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your residence, we advise consulting with a expert like Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc about which solutions are a good fit for your home.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes released by common household items.

They’re found in paint and stains along with:

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

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

Always adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions when applying paint or spraying cleaning products. Opening a window can help vapors dissipate faster.

Air purification systems can also improve your air. This equipment partners with your heating and cooling equipment to freshen indoor air. When looking for one, ensure it’s specifically made to eradicate VOCs.

Dust and Pet Dander

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

This unit hooks to your comfort equipment to deliver powerful filtration. Some types have hospital-level filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.

Lasting Odors

Modern houses are securely sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is great for your energy bill, it’s not very good for your IAQ.

Stale odors can stick 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 doable, here are two approaches you can make your indoor air smell cleaner.

An air purification system is put in your HVAC system to eliminate odors before they are redistributed. Look for one with a carbon filter and the power to wipe out dangerous VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your household healthy by getting rid of most bacteria and ordinary allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system pulls out stuffy indoor air and replaces it with clean outdoor air. There are two kinds of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our professionals for more information on which type is ideal for your house.

Unsteady Humidity

It’s important your house’s humidity stays even. Air that’s too moist can lead to mold, while dry air can create respiratory symptoms.

Our technicians suggest 40–50% for top comfort. To keep yours in balance, think about getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your heating and cooling unit.

In place of having to pull a humidifier from room to room, this equipment delivers consistent humidity across your house.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It’s caused by insufficient combustion in fuel-burning units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.

It poses an extreme health risk. In small levels, it can lead to flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It could be fatal in heavy amounts.

We advise annual furnace maintenance to make sure your unit is running smoothly. This service allows our pros to see problems before they start, 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 close to bedrooms and living areas.

Better Your Residence’s Air Quality with the Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc Pros

Informed that your home has poor air quality but not sure how to enhance it? Or unsure which product is best for you? Give our friendly HVAC specialists a call at 662-281-1231 or contact us online now. With free estimates and professional support, we’ll help you choose the ideal option for your family and budget.