If you’re unsure whether your Brookfield house has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it possibly does.

We are indoors a lot. In fact, we’re indoors 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 can create long-term health issues.

Most Common Sources of Bad IAQ

We’ve put together a list of the most ordinary causes of bad IAQ, the problems they cause and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re troubled by the air inside your house, we suggest consulting with a expert like Central Air LLC about which products are best for your house.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes emitted from everyday household things.

They’re found in paint and stains as well as:

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

When these chemicals accumulate inside, they might 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 pollutants can be 2–5 times worse than the air outside your home.

Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when using paint or cleaning supplies. Opening a window can help vapors disperse faster.

Air purification systems can also better your air. This equipment partners with your heating and cooling equipment to improve indoor air. When hunting for one, ensure it’s specifically designed to eliminate VOCs.

Dust and Pet Dander

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

This equipment hooks to your heating and cooling equipment to provide powerful filtration. Some kinds provide hospital-level filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.

Lasting Odors

Newer houses are closely sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is good for your heating and cooling expenses, it’s not ideal for your IAQ.

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

An air purification system is installed in your ductwork to neutralize odors before they get released again. Search for one with a carbon filter and the power to break down dangerous VOCs. These systems can also help keep your household healthy by wiping out most bacteria and ordinary allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system pulls out musty indoor air and exchanges it with crisp outdoor air. There are two models of systems (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our professionals for more information on which solution is best for your house.

Uneven Humidity

It’s essential your residence’s humidity remains even. Air that has too much moisture can cause mold, while dry air can create respiratory concerns.

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

Instead of having to pull a humidifier from room to room, this solution delivers consistent humidity around your house.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It’s caused by insufficient combustion in fuel-burning appliances, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.

It creates a serious health risk. In little levels, it can lead to flu-like sickness like headaches and nausea. It can be lethal in large amounts.

We recommend regular furnace maintenance to double-check your system is operating smoothly. This service allows our professionals to pinpoint issues before they begin, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.

The best approach to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms need to be on all floors close to bedrooms and living rooms.

Better Your Residence’s Air Quality with the Central Air LLC Experts

Aware that your residence has inferior 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 203-357-5913 or contact us online now. With free estimates and professional assistance, we’ll help you locate the ideal equipment for your needs and budget.