If you’re questioning whether your Lodi house has unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ), it probably does.
We spend much of our time indoors. In reality, we’re inside 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 contaminated than outdoors, which might result in long-term health problems.
Most Common Causes of Unsatisfactory IAQ
We’ve put together a list of the most ordinary causes of poor IAQ, the problems they cause and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re troubled by the air inside your home, we advise consulting with a specialist like Tokay Heating and Air Conditioning about which options are best for your home.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes leaked by regular household products.
They’re found in paint and stains along with:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these vapors collect indoors, they may irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They may also result in headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your residence is in a rural or industrial location, an EPA study found indoor levels of these fumes can be 2–5 times greater than the air outdoors.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions when painting or cleaning. Opening a window can help vapors dissipate more rapidly.
Air purification systems can also better your air. This equipment collaborates with your heating and cooling equipment to freshen indoor air. When seeking a model, make sure it’s specifically made to wipe out VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can aggravate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continuously gets moved by your residence’s heating and cooling unit. While you can vacuum more regularly and install an improved air filter, an air filtration system could be a better fit.
This solution connects with your comfort unit to give powerful filtration. Some models provide hospital-quality filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.
Persistent Odors
New residences are tightly sealed to boost energy efficiency. While this is great for your energy costs, it’s not so good for your IAQ.
Musty odors can stick around for an extended amount of time because your residence is taking in reduced fresh air. Since keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t an option, here are two methods you can make your indoor air smell better.
An air purification system is installed in your ducts to wipe out odors before they get released again. Search for one with a carbon filter and the power to eliminate dangerous VOCs. These systems can also help keep your family healthy by eliminating most bacteria and normal allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system pulls out stuffy indoor air and exchanges it with crisp outdoor air. There are two types of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our specialists for more info on which kind is best for your home.
Unbalanced Humidity
It’s essential your house’s humidity stays even. Air that’s too moist can lead to mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory issues.
Our experts suggest 40–50% for ideal comfort. To keep yours even, think over installing a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your comfort system.
Rather than having to pull a humidifier from room to room, this equipment gives consistent humidity around your home.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is gas you can’t see or smell. It occurs when there’s insufficient combustion in fuel-burning units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It creates a serious health risk. In low amounts, it can lead to flu-like sickness like headaches and nausea. It can be deadly in big levels.
We advise annual furnace maintenance to make sure your equipment is operating like it should. This service allows our professionals to discover problems before they get bigger, including malfunctions that can cause carbon monoxide leaks.
The best approach to keep your house free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms need to be on each floor close to bedrooms and living rooms.
Better Your House’s Air Quality with the Tokay Heating and Air Conditioning Experts
Know that your house has bad air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which option is ideal for you? Give our approachable HVAC experts a call at 209-257-3156 or contact us online now. With free estimates and pro support, we’ll help you find the ideal option for your needs and budget.