If you’re uncertain whether your Tucson home has unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely does.
We spend a lot of time inside. As a matter of fact, we’re indoors up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside residences can be 2–5 times worse than outdoors, which may create long-term health problems.
Most Common Causes of Bad IAQ
We’ve compiled a list of the most common causes of poor IAQ, the issues they create and how you can take care of these indoor air pollutants. If you’re troubled by the air inside your home, we suggest talking with a pro like A&M Heating & Cooling LLC about which options are best for your home.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are vapors leaked by everyday household products.
They’re found in paint and stains along with:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these chemicals accumulate inside, they may 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 fumes can be 2–5 times greater than the air outside.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when painting or cleaning. Unlatching a window can help odors disperse more quickly.
Air purification systems can also help. This equipment collaborates with your heating and cooling unit to freshen indoor air. When hunting for a system, check that it’s specifically made to eradicate VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can trigger health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continually gets redistributed by your residence’s heating and cooling equipment. While you can vacuum more regularly and buy an improved air filter, an air filtration system might be a better fit.
This equipment hooks to your comfort unit to deliver powerful filtration. Some kinds provide hospital-grade filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.
Lingering Odors
Modern homes are closely sealed to boost energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your utility expenses, it’s not so good for your IAQ.
Musty odors can stick around longer as your home is drawing in reduced fresh air. As keeping your windows open all the time isn’t an option, here are two methods you can make your indoor air smell better.
An air purification system is installed in your ductwork to eliminate odors before they are redistributed. Find one with a carbon filter and the capability to eliminate damaging VOCs. These systems can also help keep your family healthy by wiping out most bacteria and ordinary allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system removes musty indoor air and replaces it with fresh outdoor air. There are two models of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so call our experts for more information on which solution is best for your home.
Unsteady Humidity
It’s critical your house’s humidity remains balanced. Air that has too much moisture can cause mold, while dry air can cause respiratory symptoms.
Our specialists suggest 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours even, consider installing a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your heating and cooling equipment.
In place of having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this equipment gives balanced humidity across your house.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It occurs when there’s insufficient combustion in fuel-burning appliances, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It produces a serious health risk. In small concentrations, it can create flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It may be lethal in big levels.
We suggest annual furnace maintenance to make sure your system is running smoothly. This job allows our professionals to spot issues before they start, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.
The best method to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms must be on all floors by bedrooms and living rooms.
Improve Your Residence’s Air Quality with the A&M Heating & Cooling LLC Experts
Know that your home has bad air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which option is a good fit for you? Give our approachable HVAC specialists a call at 520-200-1048 or contact us online today. With free estimates and professional support, we’ll help you find the best equipment for your family and budget.