If you’re questioning whether your Booneville home has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it probably 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 houses could be 2–5 times more contaminated than outdoors, which might create long-term health concerns.

Most Common Origins of Unsatisfactory IAQ

We’ve compiled a list of the most ordinary sources of bad IAQ, the issues they cause and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your house, we suggest talking with a specialist like Booneville Heating & Cooling about which solutions are a good fit for your home.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes emitted from common household products.

They’re found in paint and stains along with:

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

When these vapors accumulate indoors, they might irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They may also create headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your residence is in a rural or industrial location, an EPA study found indoor levels of these pollutants can be 2–5 times worse than the air outside.

Always use the manufacturer’s directions when using paint or cleaning supplies. Opening a window can help vapors dissipate faster.

Air purification systems can also improve your air. This system partners with your heating and cooling equipment to improve indoor air. When looking for one, ensure it’s specifically made to wipe out VOCs.

Dust and Pet Dander

Dust and pet dander can aggravate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continually gets moved by your house’s comfort system. While you can vacuum more routinely and get an improved air filter, an air filtration system could be a better fit.

This equipment hooks to your comfort equipment to provide powerful filtration. Some models have hospital-level filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.

Persistent Odors

Modern residences are tightly sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is great for your heating and cooling bill, it’s not ideal for your IAQ.

Stuffy odors can stick around for a greater amount of time because your residence is pulling in reduced fresh air. As keeping your windows open all the time isn’t an option, 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 recirculate. Find one with a carbon filter and the capability to break down harmful VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your household healthy by wiping out most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system removes stale indoor air and substitutes it with fresh outdoor air. There are two kinds of systems (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our professionals for more details on which kind is right for your home.

Unbalanced Humidity

It’s critical your house’s humidity stays even. Air that’s too humid can create mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory concerns.

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

Rather than having to drag a humidifier from room to room, this solution delivers balanced humidity throughout your house.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It’s a byproduct of insufficient combustion in fuel-burning units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.

It poses a serious health risk. In low levels, it can lead to flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It could be fatal in big levels.

We recommend annual furnace maintenance to make sure your equipment is running like it should. This work allows our specialists to spot problems before they start, including malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.

The best method to keep your residence free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms need to be on each floor near bedrooms and living spaces.

Better Your Residence’s Air Quality with the Booneville Heating & Cooling Pros

Aware that your house has inferior air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which option is a good fit for you? Give our approachable HVAC specialists a call at 662-269-8716 or contact us online today. With free estimates and professional support, we’ll help you locate the ideal solution for your needs and budget.