If you’re unsure whether your Rapid City residence has poor indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely does.
We are indoors a lot. 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 contaminated than outdoors, which could lead to long-term health issues.
Most Common Causes of Bad IAQ
We’ve put together a list of the most ordinary causes of inferior IAQ, the troubles they create and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your home, we recommend consulting with a pro like Precision Mechanical about which solutions are best for your house.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are vapors leaked by common household things.
They’re found in paint and stains as well as:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these fumes build up inside, they may irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They may also cause headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your home is in a rural or industrial location, an EPA study found indoor levels of these fumes can be 2–5 times higher than the air outdoors.
Always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines when using paint or cleaning supplies. Unlatching a window can help vapors disperse faster.
Air purification systems can also make it better. This unit collaborates with your heating and cooling unit to clean indoor air. When seeking one, make sure it’s specifically created to eradicate VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can irritate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continuously gets recirculated by your home’s HVAC equipment. While you can vacuum more frequently and get an improved air filter, an air filtration system might be a better solution.
This unit works with your HVAC system to deliver strong filtration. Some types provide hospital-grade filtration for eliminating particles and bioaerosols.
Lasting Odors
Newer homes are securely sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is great for your heating and cooling expenses, it’s not very good for your IAQ.
Stale odors can stay around for a greater amount of time since your home is pulling in less fresh air. Since keeping your windows open all the time isn’t a possibility, here are two methods you can make your indoor air smell fresher.
An air purification system is installed in your ducts to eliminate odors before they get released again. Search for one with a carbon filter and the capability to eliminate harmful VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your household healthy by wiping out most bacteria and normal allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system removes musty indoor air and exchanges it with fresh outdoor air. There are two kinds of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our experts for more info on which kind is best for your house.
Unbalanced Humidity
It’s critical your residence’s humidity stays steady. Air that’s too moist can create mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory issues.
Our experts advise 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours even, think over 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 product provides even humidity across your house.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It’s caused by incomplete combustion in fuel-burning appliances, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It causes a severe health risk. In low concentrations, it can create flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It may be lethal in heavy levels.
We suggest yearly furnace maintenance to ensure your system is running smoothly. This work allows our specialists to spot problems before they start, including malfunctions that can cause carbon monoxide leaks.
The best approach to keep your house free of carbon monoxide is to install detectors. These alarms need to be on all floors near bedrooms and living areas.
Enhance Your Home’s Air Quality with the Precision Mechanical Experts
Aware that your home has bad air quality but not sure how to enhance it? Or unsure which option is right for you? Give our approachable HVAC pros a call at 605-206-3766 or contact us online today. With free estimates and pro assistance, we’ll help you choose the right equipment for your home and budget.