If you’re unsure whether your Tucker home has poor indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely does.

We are indoors a lot. In reality, we’re indoors up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside residences could be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoors, which could create long-term health issues.

Most Common Origins of Unsatisfactory IAQ

We’ve made a list of the most ordinary sources of poor IAQ, the troubles they create and how you can take care of these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your house, we suggest consulting with a specialist like ACS Heating and Air Conditioning about which solutions are a good fit for your family.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals leaked by regular household items.

They’re found in paint and stains in addition to:

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

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

Always use the manufacturer’s directions when using paint or cleaning supplies. Cracking a window can help fumes disperse faster.

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

Dust and Pet Dander

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

This solution hooks to your heating and cooling equipment to deliver strong filtration. Some kinds have hospital-level filtration for eliminating particles and bioaerosols.

Lingering Odors

Newer houses are tightly sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is great for your utility expenses, it’s not so good for your IAQ.

Musty odors can stay around for a greater amount of time because your house is pulling in less fresh air. Because keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t an option, here are two approaches you can make your indoor air smell better.

An air purification system is installed in your ductwork to wipe out odors before they recirculate. Find one with a carbon filter and the ability to wipe out damaging VOCs. These units can also help keep your loved ones healthy by eliminating most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system takes out stuffy indoor air and substitutes it with clean outdoor air. There are two models of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our professionals for more information on which kind is right for your home.

Uneven Humidity

It’s critical your house’s humidity remains even. Air that’s too moist can cause mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory concerns.

Our professionals suggest 40–50% for ideal comfort. To keep yours steady, consider getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your comfort unit.

Instead of having to lug 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 occurs when there’s insufficient combustion in fuel-burning equipment, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.

It poses an extreme health risk. In little levels, it can lead to flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It could be fatal in heavy concentrations.

We advise annual furnace maintenance to ensure your system is operating like it should. This service allows our techs to find problems before they begin, including malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.

The best method to keep your house free of carbon monoxide is to install detectors. These alarms must be on every floor by bedrooms and living rooms.

Enhance Your House’s Air Quality with the ACS Heating and Air Conditioning Pros

Know that your residence has poor air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which solution is best for you? Give our approachable HVAC specialists a call at 770-450-1539 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and professional service, we’ll help you choose the best equipment for your needs and budget.