If you’re uncertain whether your Mount Hope home has unhealthy 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 polluted than outdoors, which may create long-term health issues.

Most Common Origins of Unsatisfactory IAQ

We’ve put together a list of the most ordinary sources of inferior IAQ, the problems they create and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your residence, we advise chatting with a professional like Appalachian Heating about which options are a good fit for your family.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals leaked by everyday household things.

They’re found in paint and stains along with:

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

When these chemicals accumulate inside, they might irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They might also create headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your residence is in a rural or industrial location, an EPA study found indoor levels of these chemicals can be 2–5 times worse than the air outdoors.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when painting or cleaning. Opening a window can help fumes dissipate faster.

Air purification systems can also help. This unit partners with your heating and cooling equipment to improve indoor air. When hunting for one, ensure it’s specifically designed to eliminate VOCs.

Dust and Pet Dander

Dust and pet dander can irritate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continually gets moved by your residence’s comfort system. While you can vacuum more regularly and buy an improved air filter, an air filtration system could be a better fit.

This unit hooks to your HVAC equipment to provide strong filtration. Some types offer hospital-level filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.

Lasting Odors

New houses are closely sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is great for your utility bill, it’s not ideal for your IAQ.

Stale odors can stick around for a greater amount of time because your house is pulling in less fresh air. Because keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t doable, here are two approaches you can make your indoor air smell fresher.

An air purification system is installed in your ductwork to neutralize odors before they are redistributed. Look for one with a carbon filter and the capability to eliminate damaging 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 takes out stuffy indoor air and exchanges it with crisp outdoor air. There are two models of systems (heat recovery and energy recovery), so call our professionals for more info on which solution is ideal for your home.

Unbalanced Humidity

It’s critical your home’s humidity remains even. Air that’s too moist can create mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory concerns.

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

Rather than having to pull a humidifier from room to room, this equipment delivers consistent humidity around your house.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is colorless 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 small levels, it can create flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It can be deadly in heavy concentrations.

We suggest annual furnace maintenance to ensure your system is running smoothly. This work allows our techs to spot issues before they start, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.

The best method to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms need to be on each floor near bedrooms and living rooms.

Better Your Home’s Air Quality with the Appalachian Heating Professionals

Aware that your home has poor air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which product is right for you? Give our approachable HVAC pros a call at 304-707-0600 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and professional service, we’ll help you choose the ideal equipment for your needs and budget.