If you’re unsure whether your Goshen residence has unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ), it possibly 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 homes could be 2–5 times more contaminated than outdoors, which might create long-term health issues.

Most Common Sources of Unsatisfactory IAQ

We’ve put together a list of the most common sources of inferior IAQ, the troubles they create and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your residence, we advise consulting with a specialist like Just Right Heating and Cooling about which options are a good fit for your family.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes released by common household products.

They’re found in paint and stains along with:

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

When these fumes accumulate inside, they may irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They may also lead to headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your residence is in a rural or industrial space, an EPA study found indoor levels of these fumes can be 2–5 times higher than the air outside.

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

Air purification systems can also better your air. This system partners with your heating and cooling equipment to clean indoor air. When seeking one, ensure it’s specifically created 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 system. While you can vacuum more frequently and get an improved air filter, an air filtration system could be a better match.

This equipment hooks to your heating and cooling equipment to deliver mighty filtration. Some models provide hospital-level filtration for eliminating particles and bioaerosols.

Lingering Odors

New homes are tightly sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is great for your heating and cooling bill, it’s not very good for your IAQ.

Musty odors can stay around for a greater amount of time as your home is pulling in less fresh air. Because keeping your windows open all the time isn’t doable, here are two methods you can make your indoor air smell better.

An air purification system is put in your ductwork to eliminate odors before they get released again. Look for one with a carbon filter and the ability to eliminate damaging VOCs. These units can also help keep your family healthy by wiping out most bacteria and normal allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system takes out stuffy indoor air and replaces it with clean outdoor air. There are two models of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our professionals for more details on which solution is best for your residence.

Unbalanced Humidity

It’s critical your home’s humidity stays even. Air that’s too humid can cause mold, while dry air can create respiratory symptoms.

Our professionals suggest 40–50% for ideal comfort. To keep yours steady, think over getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your comfort system.

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

Carbon Monoxide

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

It presents a severe health risk. In low levels, it can lead to flu-like sickness like headaches and nausea. It can be fatal in heavy amounts.

We recommend yearly furnace maintenance to ensure your unit is running smoothly. This service allows our professionals to spot troubles before they begin, including malfunctions that can cause carbon monoxide leaks.

The best way to keep your residence free of carbon monoxide is to put in detectors. These alarms must be on all floors near bedrooms and living areas.

Enhance Your Residence’s Air Quality with the Just Right Heating and Cooling Specialists

Informed that your house has bad air quality but not sure how to enhance it? Or unsure which solution is a good fit for you? Give our approachable HVAC experts a call at 513-392-4969 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and pro support, we’ll help you locate the ideal equipment for your needs and budget.