If you’re questioning whether your Bend house has unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ), it possibly does.
We spend a lot of time inside. In fact, we’re inside up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside homes could be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoors, which could create long-term health problems.
Most Common Sources of Bad IAQ
We’ve compiled a list of the most ordinary causes of inferior IAQ, the issues they make and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your home, we advise consulting with a specialist like Tri County Climate Control LLC about which solutions are ideal for your family.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals released by regular household items.
They’re found in paint and stains along with:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these vapors collect in your home, they may irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They might 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 fumes can be 2–5 times worse than the air outside your home.
Always adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions when applying paint or spraying cleaning products. Unlatching a window can help vapors dissipate more rapidly.
Air purification systems can also make it better. This system partners with your heating and cooling system to clean indoor air. When hunting for one, make sure 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 continually gets redistributed by your house’s HVAC system. While you can vacuum more frequently and install an improved air filter, an air filtration system may be a better solution.
This unit hooks to your heating and cooling system to provide strong filtration. Some models provide hospital-level filtration for eliminating particles and bioaerosols.
Lasting Odors
New houses are closely sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is good for your utility expenses, it’s not ideal for your IAQ.
Musty odors can stay around for a greater amount of time because your house is drawing in less fresh air. Because 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 HVAC system to eliminate odors before they recirculate. Search for one with a carbon filter and the power to wipe out dangerous VOCs. These systems can also help keep your loved ones healthy by wiping out most bacteria and normal allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system takes out stuffy indoor air and replaces it with clean outdoor air. There are two types of units (heat recovery and energy recovery), so call our technicians for more information on which type is right for your home.
Unbalanced Humidity
It’s essential your residence’s humidity stays even. Air that has too much moisture can create mold, while dry air can create respiratory issues.
Our technicians recommend 40–50% for top comfort. To keep yours in balance, think over getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your heating and cooling equipment.
Rather than having to drag a humidifier from room to room, this product delivers even humidity around your house.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It’s caused by incomplete combustion in fuel-burning equipment, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It creates an extreme health risk. In small levels, it can cause flu-like sickness like headaches and nausea. It can be deadly in heavy amounts.
We recommend annual furnace maintenance to ensure your equipment is working smoothly. This work allows our specialists to see issues before they begin, including malfunctions that can cause carbon monoxide leaks.
The best way to keep your house free of carbon monoxide is to put in detectors. These alarms need to be on all floors close to bedrooms and living rooms.
Improve Your Residence’s Air Quality with the Tri County Climate Control LLC Professionals
Aware that your residence has bad air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which product is a good fit for you? Give our approachable HVAC experts a call at 541-238-2797 or contact us online now. With free estimates and professional support, we’ll help you find the right option for your family and budget.