If you’re questioning whether your Rapid City residence has poor indoor air quality (IAQ), it possibly does.

We are indoors a lot. In fact, we’re in a building 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 may create long-term health issues.

Most Common Origins of Bad IAQ

We’ve compiled a list of the most ordinary sources of inferior IAQ, the problems they make and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your house, we suggest consulting with a specialist like Precision Mechanical about which solutions are a good fit for your family.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals leaked by common household products.

They’re found in paint and stains as well as:

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

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

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using paint or cleaning supplies. Unlatching a window can help chemicals dissipate faster.

Air purification systems can also better your air. This equipment partners with your heating and cooling unit to freshen indoor air. When seeking one, ensure 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 redistributed by your house’s comfort system. While you can vacuum more routinely and install an improved air filter, an air filtration system may be a better fit.

This equipment hooks to your HVAC equipment to deliver strong filtration. Some types provide hospital-level filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.

Lasting Odors

New houses are tightly sealed to boost energy efficiency. While this is great for your heating and cooling costs, it’s not so good for your IAQ.

Musty odors can hang around for a greater amount of time since your home is pulling in less fresh air. Because keeping your windows open all year-round isn’t doable, here are two approaches you can make your indoor air smell fresher.

An air purification system is put in your ductwork to eliminate odors before they are redistributed. Find one with a carbon filter and the power to wipe out harmful VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your family healthy by wiping out most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system removes musty indoor air and exchanges it with clean outdoor air. There are two kinds of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our professionals for more information on which type is right for your home.

Uneven Humidity

It’s important your residence’s humidity stays even. Air that has too much moisture can create mold, while dry air can cause respiratory troubles.

Our techs suggest 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours even, think over getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your HVAC unit.

Rather than having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this product delivers balanced humidity around your house.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It’s a byproduct of insufficient combustion in fuel-burning units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.

It presents a severe health risk. In little levels, it can create flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It may be lethal in big amounts.

We recommend yearly furnace maintenance to make sure your system is running like it should. This job allows our specialists to see troubles before they begin, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.

The best way to keep your house free of carbon monoxide is to put in detectors. These alarms should be on all floors by bedrooms and living spaces.

Enhance Your House’s Air Quality with the Precision Mechanical Specialists

Know that your house has inferior air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which solution is a good fit for you? Give our friendly HVAC specialists a call at 605-206-3766 or contact us online today. With free estimates and expert service, we’ll help you locate the ideal solution for your needs and budget.