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

We are indoors a lot. As a matter of 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 could be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoors, which may create long-term health problems.

Most Common Sources of Poor IAQ

We’ve made a list of the most ordinary causes of inferior IAQ, the problems they make and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your home, we recommend talking with a professional like All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc about which solutions are ideal for your home.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals 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 residence is in a rural or industrial space, an EPA study found indoor levels of these chemicals can be 2–5 times greater than the air outside your home.

Always follow the manufacturer’s directions when using paint or cleaning supplies. Cracking a window can help fumes dissipate faster.

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

Dust and Pet Dander

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

This unit hooks to your comfort equipment to deliver strong filtration. Some kinds have hospital-level filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.

Lasting Odors

Newer residences are securely sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is good for your energy expenses, it’s not very good for your IAQ.

Stuffy odors can stay around for a greater amount of time as your residence is pulling in reduced fresh air. As keeping your windows open all the time isn’t doable, here are two ways you can make your indoor air smell fresher.

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 harmful VOCs. These systems can also help keep your household healthy by wiping out most bacteria and normal allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system takes out musty indoor air and replaces it with fresh outdoor air. There are two models of systems (heat recovery and energy recovery), so call our professionals for more information on which type is right for your residence.

Unsteady Humidity

It’s important your home’s humidity stays even. Air that’s too moist can cause mold, while dry air can create respiratory concerns.

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

Instead of having to lug 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 appliances, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.

It causes an extreme health risk. In little levels, it can cause flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It may be lethal in large amounts.

We recommend regular furnace maintenance to make sure your unit is working properly. This service allows our techs to see issues before they begin, including malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.

The best way to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to put in detectors. These alarms need to be on every floor close to bedrooms and living rooms.

Improve Your Residence’s Air Quality with the All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc Specialists

Informed that your house has inferior air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which product is a good fit for you? Give our approachable HVAC pros a call at 256-801-4701 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and professional assistance, we’ll help you choose the right equipment for your home and budget.