If you’re uncertain whether your Bishop home has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely does.
We are indoors a lot. 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 houses could be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoors, which can lead to long-term health problems.
Most Common Origins of Unsatisfactory IAQ
We’ve compiled a list of the most common sources of bad IAQ, the issues they make and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re troubled by the air inside your home, we advise chatting with a specialist like Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning about which solutions are ideal for your house.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals released by regular household things.
They’re found in paint and stains in addition to:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these chemicals collect in your home, they may irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They can also create headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your house is in a rural or industrial area, an EPA study found indoor levels of these chemicals can be 2–5 times worse than the air outdoors.
Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when painting or cleaning. Unlatching a window can help odors disperse faster.
Air purification systems can also improve your air. This system collaborates with your heating and cooling system to enhance indoor air. When looking for a model, check that it’s specifically made to eliminate VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can trigger health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continually gets redistributed by your house’s HVAC system. While you can vacuum more routinely and get a better air filter, an air filtration system might be a better match.
This solution hooks to your heating and cooling system to provide mighty filtration. Some types offer hospital-grade filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.
Persistent Odors
New houses are closely sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your utility costs, it’s not so good for your IAQ.
Musty odors can hang around for an extended amount of time because your house is drawing in less fresh air. As keeping your windows open all year round isn’t an option, here are two methods you can make your indoor air smell better.
An air purification system is put in your ducts to wipe out odors before they recirculate. Look for one with a carbon filter and the ability to break down dangerous VOCs. These systems can also help keep your household healthy by eliminating most bacteria and normal allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system removes stale indoor air and exchanges it with clean outdoor air. There are two kinds of units (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our specialists for more info on which kind is ideal for your house.
Unsteady Humidity
It’s critical your house’s humidity stays even. Air that’s too humid can cause mold, while dry air can create respiratory troubles.
Our professionals suggest 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours in balance, think over buying a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your HVAC equipment.
Instead of having to drag a humidifier from room to room, this solution gives consistent humidity across your residence.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is clear gas you can’t smell. It’s caused by unfinished combustion in fuel-burning equipment, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It poses a severe health risk. In low concentrations, it can cause flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It can be lethal in big levels.
We suggest yearly furnace maintenance to double-check your unit is operating smoothly. This work allows our technicians to discover troubles before they start, including malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.
The best approach to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms should be on each floor close to bedrooms and living rooms.
Enhance Your House’s Air Quality with the Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning Professionals
Informed that your residence has inferior air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which solution is best for you? Give our kind HVAC specialists a call at 760-784-9034 or contact us online now. With free estimates and pro support, we’ll help you find the best option for your family and budget.