If you’re uncertain whether your Tuscaloosa home has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely does.
We spend a lot of time inside. 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 can be 2–5 times worse than outdoors, which could lead to long-term health issues.
Most Common Sources of Unsatisfactory IAQ
We’ve put together a list of the most common causes of bad IAQ, the issues they create and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re troubled by the air inside your residence, we advise talking with a pro like KDM Service Corporation about which products are a good fit for your home.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are vapors emitted from everyday household items.
They’re found in paint and stains along with:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these fumes collect indoors, they may irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They might also lead to headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your house is in a rural or industrial location, an EPA study found indoor levels of these chemicals can be 2–5 times higher than the air outside your home.
Always use the manufacturer’s guidelines when applying paint or spraying cleaning products. Unlatching a window can help chemicals disperse faster.
Air purification systems can also better your air. This unit works with your heating and cooling unit to improve indoor air. When looking for a system, make sure it’s specifically made to wipe out VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can irritate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it constantly gets recirculated by your home’s HVAC unit. While you can vacuum more frequently and buy an improved air filter, an air filtration system may be a better match.
This equipment works with your HVAC system to give strong filtration. Some kinds provide hospital-level filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.
Lingering Odors
Newer homes are securely sealed to boost energy efficiency. While this is great for your heating and cooling bill, it’s not so good for your IAQ.
Musty odors can hang around longer since your home is pulling in reduced fresh air. Since keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t an option, here are two approaches you can make your indoor air smell better.
An air purification system is put in your ductwork to wipe out odors before they get released again. Search for one with a carbon filter and the power to break down dangerous VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your family healthy by eliminating most bacteria and normal allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system pulls out musty indoor air and replaces it with fresh outdoor air. There are two kinds of units (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our specialists for more information on which kind is right for your residence.
Unsteady Humidity
It’s essential your house’s humidity keeps steady. Air that’s too humid can create mold, while dry air can cause respiratory symptoms.
Our technicians recommend 40–50% for ideal comfort. To keep yours steady, think over getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your comfort equipment.
In place of having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this solution provides balanced humidity throughout your home.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It’s caused by insufficient combustion in fuel-burning equipment, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It creates a severe health risk. In little amounts, it can create flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It can be deadly in large amounts.
We suggest yearly furnace maintenance to make sure your system is running smoothly. This service allows our technicians to pinpoint problems before they start, including malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.
The best way to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms should be on every floor close to bedrooms and living spaces.
Improve Your Residence’s Air Quality with the KDM Service Corporation Professionals
Aware that your residence has bad air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which product is a good fit for you? Give our approachable HVAC pros a call at 205-208-8090 or contact us online now. With free estimates and pro support, we’ll help you find the best equipment for your family and budget.