If you’re questioning whether your Menomonie and western Wisconsin residence has unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely does.
We spend much of our time indoors. As a matter of fact, we’re in a building 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 might result in long-term health issues.
Most Common Sources of Unsatisfactory IAQ
We’ve made a list of the most ordinary causes of poor IAQ, the troubles they create and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your residence, we recommend chatting with a expert like Halverson Brothers Inc about which solutions are best for your family.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals released by common 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 can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They may also result in headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your home is in a rural or industrial location, an EPA study found indoor levels of these pollutants can be 2–5 times higher than the air outside.
Always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines when painting or cleaning. Unlatching a window can help chemicals dissipate faster.
Air purification systems can also improve your air. This equipment collaborates with your heating and cooling equipment to enhance indoor air. When looking for a model, check that 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 redistributed by your house’s comfort equipment. While you can vacuum more regularly and buy a better air filter, an air filtration system could be a better match.
This unit hooks to your heating and cooling equipment to deliver powerful filtration. Some kinds offer hospital-quality filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.
Lasting Odors
Newer homes are closely sealed to boost energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your heating and cooling expenses, it’s not very good for your IAQ.
Musty odors can hang around for a greater amount of time since your home is drawing in reduced fresh air. As keeping your windows open all the time isn’t a possibility, here are two methods you can make your indoor air smell cleaner.
An air purification system is installed in your ductwork to wipe out odors before they recirculate. Search for one with a carbon filter and the power to break down harmful VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your loved ones healthy by eliminating most bacteria and ordinary allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system removes stale indoor air and replaces it with crisp 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 residence.
Uneven Humidity
It’s essential your residence’s humidity remains even. Air that’s too moist can create mold, while dry air can cause respiratory issues.
Our specialists suggest 40–50% for ideal comfort. To keep yours even, consider buying a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your HVAC unit.
In place of having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this equipment delivers balanced humidity across your home.
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 causes an extreme health risk. In little amounts, it can lead to flu-like sickness like headaches and nausea. It may be deadly in large amounts.
We suggest yearly furnace maintenance to double-check your unit is operating properly. This service allows our technicians to see troubles before they get bigger, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.
The best method to keep your residence free of carbon monoxide is to install detectors. These alarms must be on each floor close to bedrooms and living areas.
Improve Your Residence’s Air Quality with the Halverson Brothers Inc Pros
Aware that your residence has inferior air quality but not sure how to enhance it? Or unsure which option is ideal for you? Give our kind HVAC pros a call at 715-352-4052 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and pro support, we’ll help you choose the best solution for your needs and budget.