If you’re questioning whether your Lake Worth residence has unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ), it probably 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 worse than outdoors, which could create long-term health problems.

Most Common Origins of Unsatisfactory IAQ

We’ve put together a list of the most common causes of poor IAQ, the issues they make and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your residence, we recommend consulting with a pro like Smyth Air Conditioning about which options are ideal for your house.

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

Always adhere to the manufacturer’s directions when using paint or cleaning supplies. Cracking a window can help fumes disperse faster.

Air purification systems can also help. This equipment partners with your heating and cooling system to enhance indoor air. When hunting for one, ensure it’s specifically designed 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 home’s comfort equipment. While you can vacuum more frequently and install an improved air filter, an air filtration system may be a better fit.

This unit hooks to your heating and cooling equipment to deliver strong filtration. Some models offer hospital-level filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.

Lingering Odors

Newer homes are closely sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is great for your energy bill, it’s not ideal for your IAQ.

Stale odors can stay around for a greater amount of time since your home is pulling in reduced fresh air. Because keeping your windows open all the time isn’t an option, here are two ways you can make your indoor air smell better.

An air purification system is installed in your ducts to eliminate odors before they get released again. Look for one with a carbon filter and the ability to wipe out dangerous VOCs. These systems 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 units (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our professionals for more details on which type is right for your house.

Unsteady Humidity

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

Our professionals suggest 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours in balance, consider getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your heating and cooling equipment.

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

Carbon Monoxide

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

It presents a severe health risk. In low levels, it can create flu-like sickness like headaches and nausea. It may be deadly in large amounts.

We suggest regular furnace maintenance to ensure your unit is working like it should. This service allows our specialists to pinpoint troubles before they get bigger, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.

The best way to keep your residence free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms need to be on all floors close to bedrooms and living areas.

Improve Your Home’s Air Quality with the Smyth Air Conditioning Pros

Aware that your house has poor air quality but not sure how to enhance it? Or unsure which solution is a good fit for you? Give our kind HVAC specialists a call at 561-533-6066 or contact us online now. With free estimates and expert service, we’ll help you choose the right option for your needs and budget.