If you’re unsure whether your Georgetown residence has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely does.
We spend a lot of time inside. 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 houses may be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoors, which could create long-term health concerns.
Most Common Origins of Unsatisfactory IAQ
We’ve made a list of the most common causes of bad 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 residence, we suggest consulting with a professional like Miller Climate Control LLC about which options are a good fit for your house.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes released 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 build up indoors, they might irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They might also lead to headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your home is in a rural or industrial area, an EPA study found indoor levels of these pollutants can be 2–5 times greater than the air outdoors.
Always use the manufacturer’s directions when applying paint or spraying cleaning products. Unlatching a window can help chemicals disperse faster.
Air purification systems can also improve your air. This equipment partners with your heating and cooling unit to improve indoor air. When seeking a model, make sure it’s specifically made to eliminate 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 unit. While you can vacuum more regularly and get a better air filter, an air filtration system could be a better match.
This unit connects with your heating and cooling equipment to give powerful filtration. Some types offer hospital-quality filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.
Lasting Odors
New houses are closely sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your utility expenses, it’s not very good for your IAQ.
Musty odors can hang around for a greater amount of time because your house is drawing in less fresh air. As keeping your windows open all year round isn’t a possibility, here are two approaches you can make your indoor air smell fresher.
An air purification system is placed in your HVAC system to wipe out odors before they get released again. Search for one with a carbon filter and the ability to eliminate damaging VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your household healthy by eliminating most bacteria and ordinary allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system removes musty indoor air and replaces it with crisp outdoor air. There are two kinds of systems (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our techs for more information on which type is right for your house.
Unsteady Humidity
It’s critical your home’s humidity keeps balanced. Air that’s too humid can cause mold, while dry air can cause respiratory troubles.
Our technicians recommend 40–50% for top comfort. To keep yours in balance, think about getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your heating and cooling unit.
In place of having to drag a humidifier from room to room, this product gives balanced humidity across your residence.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is clear gas you can’t smell. It’s caused by insufficient combustion in fuel-burning appliances, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It causes a serious health risk. In little levels, it can create flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It may be lethal in large amounts.
We recommend annual furnace maintenance to ensure your equipment is running like it should. This service allows our technicians to spot troubles before they start, including malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.
The best way to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to install detectors. These alarms should be on all floors close to bedrooms and living areas.
Improve Your Residence’s Air Quality with the Miller Climate Control LLC Experts
Aware that your house has inferior air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which product is ideal for you? Give our approachable HVAC pros a call at 512-937-2001 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and expert assistance, we’ll help you find the ideal equipment for your needs and budget.