If you’re unsure whether your Dresden residence has poor 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 homes could be 2–5 times worse than outdoors, which might create long-term health issues.

Most Common Causes of Poor IAQ

We’ve put together a list of the most ordinary origins of bad IAQ, the problems they create and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re troubled by the air inside your residence, we suggest talking with a pro like McFadden Heating & Cooling about which solutions are best for your house.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes released by everyday household things.

They’re found in paint and stains along with:

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

When these chemicals accumulate in your home, they might irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They may 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 pollutants can be 2–5 times worse than the air outside.

Always use the manufacturer’s guidelines when using paint or cleaning supplies. Cracking a window can help vapors disappear faster.

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

Dust and Pet Dander

Dust and pet dander can irritate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continuously gets moved by your home’s comfort system. While you can vacuum more regularly and buy an improved air filter, an air filtration system might be a better solution.

This solution hooks to your HVAC equipment to give strong filtration. Some kinds provide hospital-level filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.

Lasting Odors

New houses are closely sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is great for your utility expenses, it’s not ideal for your IAQ.

Musty odors can stay around for a greater amount of time since your house is pulling in less fresh air. As keeping your windows open all the time isn’t doable, here are two ways you can make your indoor air smell better.

An air purification system is put in your ductwork to eliminate odors before they recirculate. Look for one with a carbon filter and the ability to wipe out dangerous VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your loved ones healthy by eliminating most bacteria and normal allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system takes out stuffy indoor air and replaces it with crisp outdoor air. There are two kinds of systems (heat recovery and energy recovery), so call our professionals for more information on which solution is right for your home.

Uneven Humidity

It’s essential your residence’s humidity stays even. Air that’s too moist can cause mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory issues.

Our pros suggest 40–50% for top comfort. To keep yours steady, consider 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 product delivers balanced humidity across your house.

Carbon Monoxide

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

It causes a severe health risk. In small levels, it can lead to flu-like sickness like headaches and nausea. It could be deadly in big concentrations.

We suggest yearly furnace maintenance to double-check your system is running smoothly. This work allows our technicians to pinpoint troubles before they begin, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.

The best way to keep your house free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms must be on every floor near bedrooms and living rooms.

Better Your House’s Air Quality with the McFadden Heating & Cooling Professionals

Aware that your residence has bad air quality but not sure how to enhance it? Or unsure which product is ideal for you? Give our approachable HVAC specialists a call at 519-683-2339 or contact us online now. With free estimates and expert assistance, we’ll help you locate the best option for your home and budget.