If you’re uncertain whether your Oxford house has unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ), it probably does.
We spend a lot of time inside. In reality, we’re inside up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside residences could be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoors, which might lead to long-term health issues.
Most Common Sources of Bad IAQ
We’ve made a list of the most common causes of bad IAQ, the troubles they create and how you can take care of these indoor air pollutants. If you’re troubled by the air inside your residence, we advise chatting with a specialist like Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc about which products are best for your house.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes leaked by regular household things.
They’re found in paint and stains as well as:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these vapors accumulate inside, they may irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They might also result in 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 directions when using paint or cleaning supplies. Unlatching a window can help vapors disappear more rapidly.
Air purification systems can also improve your air. This equipment works with your heating and cooling system to clean indoor air. When looking for a system, 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 moved by your residence’s comfort unit. While you can vacuum more frequently and get an enhanced air filter, an air filtration system may be a better match.
This equipment connects with your comfort equipment to give strong filtration. Some types have hospital-level filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.
Lingering Odors
New residences are closely sealed to boost energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your utility expenses, it’s not so good for your IAQ.
Stale odors can hang around longer because your residence is drawing in reduced fresh air. As keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t an option, here are two ways you can make your indoor air smell better.
An air purification system is placed in your ducts to neutralize odors before they are redistributed. Look for one with a carbon filter and the power to wipe out dangerous VOCs. These units can also help keep your family healthy by getting rid of most bacteria and normal allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system pulls out stuffy indoor air and substitutes it with crisp outdoor air. There are two kinds of units (heat recovery and energy recovery), so call our technicians for more information on which solution is right for your home.
Uneven Humidity
It’s important your home’s humidity stays balanced. Air that has too much moisture can lead to mold, while dry air can create respiratory troubles.
Our technicians advise 40–50% for top comfort. To keep yours steady, consider buying a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your comfort system.
Rather than having to pull a humidifier from room to room, this equipment gives consistent humidity across your house.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is gas you can’t see or smell. It’s a byproduct of incomplete combustion in fuel-burning appliances, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It poses a serious health risk. In low amounts, it can cause flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It can be fatal in heavy concentrations.
We recommend annual furnace maintenance to double-check your system is running like it should. This service allows our pros to discover issues before they start, including malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.
The best method to keep your residence free of carbon monoxide is to put in detectors. These alarms must be on every floor by bedrooms and living areas.
Improve Your House’s Air Quality with the Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc Professionals
Informed that your house has bad air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which product is right for you? Give our kind HVAC professionals a call at 662-281-1231 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and professional assistance, we’ll help you find the right option for your family and budget.