If you’re unsure whether your Rio Grande Valley house has unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ), it probably 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 worse than outdoors, which can create long-term health concerns.

Most Common Origins of Bad IAQ

We’ve put together a list of the most ordinary causes of poor IAQ, the issues they make and how you can take care of these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your home, we advise talking with a expert like Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. about which products are ideal for your home.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals leaked 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 vapors accumulate inside, they may irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They may also result in 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 adhere to the manufacturer’s directions when painting or cleaning. Cracking a window can help vapors dissipate faster.

Air purification systems can also improve your air. This system partners with your heating and cooling equipment to enhance indoor air. When looking for one, ensure it’s specifically made to eradicate VOCs.

Dust and Pet Dander

Dust and pet dander can aggravate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it constantly gets redistributed by your home’s comfort equipment. While you can vacuum more routinely and get an improved air filter, an air filtration system could be a better fit.

This unit hooks to your heating and cooling equipment to provide mighty filtration. Some types have hospital-level filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.

Lasting Odors

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

Stale odors can stay around for a greater amount of time as your house is pulling in less fresh air. As keeping your windows open all the time isn’t a possibility, here are two approaches you can make your indoor air smell fresher.

An air purification system is placed in your ductwork to wipe out odors before they recirculate. Search for one with a carbon filter and the capability to eliminate dangerous VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your loved ones healthy by wiping out most bacteria and normal allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system pulls out stale indoor air and replaces it with clean outdoor air. There are two models of systems (heat recovery and energy recovery), so call our professionals for more info on which type is best for your house.

Unbalanced Humidity

It’s important your house’s humidity keeps even. Air that has too much moisture can lead to mold, while dry air can create respiratory troubles.

Our techs suggest 40–50% for ideal comfort. To keep yours even, think over getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your heating and cooling system.

Instead of having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this solution delivers balanced 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 produces an extreme health risk. In little levels, it can create flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It may be lethal in large concentrations.

We advise regular furnace maintenance to make sure your unit is operating smoothly. This job allows our techs to pinpoint troubles before they get bigger, including malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.

The best way to keep your residence free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms must be on every floor near bedrooms and living rooms.

Enhance Your Home’s Air Quality with the Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. Pros

Informed that your house has inferior air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which option is right for you? Give our approachable HVAC pros a call at 956-630-3522 or contact us online now. With free estimates and professional service, we’ll help you find the ideal solution for your home and budget.