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

We are indoors a lot. In reality, we’re in a building 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 polluted than outdoors, which can create long-term health concerns.

Most Common Sources of Bad IAQ

We’ve put together a list of the most frequent sources of inferior IAQ, the troubles they make and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your house, we advise consulting with a expert like MPC Heating & Cooling about which options are best for your family.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes released by everyday household items.

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

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

When these vapors accumulate inside, 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 fumes can be 2–5 times worse than the air outside.

Always use the manufacturer’s instructions when using paint or cleaning supplies. Unlatching a window can help odors dissipate faster.

Air purification systems can also improve your air. This equipment partners with your heating and cooling system to improve indoor air. When looking for a system, ensure it’s specifically designed to wipe out 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 get an improved air filter, an air filtration system might be a better match.

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

Lasting Odors

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

Musty odors can stick around for a greater amount of time because your residence is pulling in a smaller amount of fresh air. Since keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t a possibility, here are two methods you can make your indoor air smell cleaner.

An air purification system is placed in your ducts to wipe out odors before they recirculate. Search for one with a carbon filter and the capability to eliminate harmful VOCs. These systems can also help keep your household healthy by getting rid of most bacteria and ordinary allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system takes out stale indoor air and exchanges it with crisp outdoor air. There are two models of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our professionals for more details on which solution is best for your home.

Uneven Humidity

It’s important your house’s humidity remains even. Air that’s too moist can create mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory troubles.

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 HVAC system.

In place of having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this product delivers balanced humidity around your house.

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 presents an extreme health risk. In low levels, it can cause flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It could be lethal in big amounts.

We recommend annual furnace maintenance to make sure your unit is working smoothly. This job allows our technicians to spot troubles before they get bigger, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.

The best approach to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to install detectors. These alarms should be on all floors by bedrooms and living spaces.

Better Your Home’s Air Quality with the MPC Heating & Cooling Pros

Informed that your house has inferior air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which option is ideal for you? Give our kind HVAC experts a call at 308-832-4321 or contact us online today. With free estimates and pro service, we’ll help you choose the ideal option for your needs and budget.