If you’re uncertain whether your the Rio Grande Valley house has poor indoor air quality (IAQ), it probably does.
We spend a lot of time inside. In reality, we’re indoors up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside houses could be 2–5 times more contaminated than outdoors, which can lead to long-term health issues.
Most Common Causes of Unsatisfactory IAQ
We’ve put together a list of the most ordinary sources of bad IAQ, the issues they create and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your house, we recommend talking with a professional like Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. about which options are a good fit for your home.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals emitted from common household things.
They’re found in paint and stains as well as:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these vapors collect inside, they might irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They might also create headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your home is in a rural or industrial area, an EPA study found indoor levels of these fumes can be 2–5 times higher than the air outdoors.
Always use the manufacturer’s guidelines when using paint or cleaning supplies. Cracking a window can help chemicals disperse more rapidly.
Air purification systems can also better your air. This equipment collaborates with your heating and cooling equipment to enhance indoor air. When seeking a model, ensure it’s specifically created to eradicate VOCs.
Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander can irritate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it constantly gets recirculated by your home’s heating and cooling equipment. While you can vacuum more routinely and install an improved air filter, an air filtration system might be a better fit.
This solution works with your HVAC unit to deliver mighty filtration. Some models provide hospital-grade filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.
Persistent Odors
Newer houses are tightly sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is good for your energy bill, it’s not so good for your IAQ.
Musty odors can stick around for an extended amount of time since your house is taking in less fresh air. Because keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t an option, here are two approaches you can make your indoor air smell cleaner.
An air purification system is installed in your ducts to eliminate odors before they get released again. Find one with a carbon filter and the capability to wipe out harmful VOCs. These units can also help keep your household healthy by wiping out most bacteria and normal allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system pulls out stale indoor air and substitutes it with fresh outdoor air. There are two types of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our techs for more details on which kind is best for your home.
Unsteady Humidity
It’s essential your house’s humidity stays even. Air that’s too humid can lead to mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory symptoms.
Our experts suggest 40–50% for ideal comfort. To keep yours steady, consider buying a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your HVAC system.
In place of having to drag a humidifier from room to room, this solution delivers consistent humidity across your home.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It occurs when there’s unfinished combustion in fuel-burning units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It creates an extreme health risk. In small concentrations, it can lead to flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It can be deadly in heavy concentrations.
We advise regular furnace maintenance to double-check your system is running smoothly. This service allows our professionals to find troubles before they begin, including malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.
The best way to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms need to be on every floor close to bedrooms and living rooms.
Improve Your Home’s Air Quality with the Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. Pros
Aware that your home has inferior air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which product is right for you? Give our kind HVAC experts a call at 956-630-3522 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and pro service, we’ll help you locate the best equipment for your family and budget.