If you’re unsure whether your Cape Coral residence has unhealthy 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 worse than outdoors, which could create long-term health issues.
Most Common Sources of Unsatisfactory IAQ
We’ve put together a list of the most common causes of inferior IAQ, the troubles they cause and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your house, we suggest talking with a expert like Comfort Zone, LLC about which products are a good fit for your home.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes leaked by everyday household products.
They’re found in paint and stains in addition to:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these chemicals build up inside, they can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They can also lead to headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your house is in a rural or industrial area, an EPA study found indoor levels of these chemicals can be 2–5 times worse than the air outside your home.
Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when applying paint or spraying cleaning products. Opening a window can help vapors disappear more rapidly.
Air purification systems can also help. This unit works with your heating and cooling equipment to freshen indoor air. When looking for a model, check that it’s specifically made to eliminate VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can irritate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it constantly gets redistributed by your house’s comfort equipment. While you can vacuum more routinely and install an enhanced air filter, an air filtration system might be a better fit.
This solution hooks to your heating and cooling equipment to deliver mighty filtration. Some models have hospital-grade filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.
Persistent Odors
Newer houses are closely sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your heating and cooling bill, it’s not very good for your IAQ.
Stale odors can stick around for an extended amount of time since your house is drawing in less fresh air. As 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 HVAC system to neutralize odors before they are redistributed. Find one with a carbon filter and the power to break down dangerous VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your family healthy by getting rid of most bacteria and ordinary allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system removes musty indoor air and substitutes it with fresh outdoor air. There are two types of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our professionals for more info on which type is ideal for your home.
Uneven Humidity
It’s important your home’s humidity stays even. Air that’s too humid can cause mold, while dry air can create respiratory symptoms.
Our technicians advise 40–50% for ideal comfort. To keep yours in balance, think over getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your comfort equipment.
Rather than having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this solution provides consistent humidity around your residence.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is clear gas you can’t smell. It’s caused by unfinished combustion in fuel-burning units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It causes an extreme health risk. In small levels, it can create flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It can be fatal in heavy levels.
We recommend yearly furnace maintenance to ensure your system is running smoothly. This service allows our techs to pinpoint problems before they begin, including malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.
The best method to keep your residence free of carbon monoxide is to install detectors. These alarms need to be on each floor close to bedrooms and living areas.
Enhance Your Home’s Air Quality with the Comfort Zone, LLC Professionals
Know that your house has bad air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which solution is a good fit for you? Give our friendly HVAC specialists a call at 239-214-0411 or contact us online today. With free estimates and pro service, we’ll help you choose the right solution for your needs and budget.