If you’re unsure whether your Naples home 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 residences may be 2–5 times more contaminated than outdoors, which could result in long-term health issues.
Most Common Sources of Bad IAQ
We’ve compiled a list of the most ordinary sources of bad IAQ, the problems they cause and how you can take care of these indoor air pollutants. If you’re troubled by the air inside your house, we recommend consulting with a professional like CNR Air Conditioning Inc about which products are a good fit for your house.
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 build up inside, they might irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They may also create 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 greater than the air outdoors.
Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when painting or cleaning. Unlatching a window can help chemicals disappear faster.
Air purification systems can also make it better. This equipment collaborates with your heating and cooling equipment to freshen indoor air. When looking for a system, check that 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 continually gets redistributed by your house’s comfort system. While you can vacuum more routinely and buy an enhanced air filter, an air filtration system could be a better match.
This unit hooks to your heating and cooling equipment to provide mighty filtration. Some kinds have hospital-quality filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.
Lasting Odors
Newer houses are closely sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is great for your heating and cooling expenses, it’s not so good for your IAQ.
Musty odors can hang around for a greater amount of time since your house is drawing in a smaller amount of fresh air. Since keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t an option, here are two approaches you can make your indoor air smell better.
An air purification system is put in your ducts to eliminate odors before they get released again. Search for one with a carbon filter and the capability to eliminate dangerous VOCs. These systems can also help keep your household healthy by eliminating most bacteria and ordinary allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system removes stale indoor air and exchanges it with crisp outdoor air. There are two kinds of units (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our professionals for more information on which solution is ideal for your home.
Unsteady Humidity
It’s important your house’s humidity keeps balanced. Air that’s too humid can cause mold, while dry air can create respiratory issues.
Our professionals recommend 40–50% for ideal comfort. To keep yours steady, consider installing a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your HVAC system.
Rather than having to pull a humidifier from room to room, this product delivers consistent humidity across your house.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It’s caused by unfinished combustion in fuel-burning equipment, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It causes a severe health risk. In small concentrations, it can lead to flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It could be fatal in large concentrations.
We advise yearly furnace maintenance to ensure your unit is operating smoothly. This service allows our technicians to spot issues before they begin, including malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.
The best way to keep your house free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms should be on all floors close to bedrooms and living spaces.
Better Your House’s Air Quality with the CNR Air Conditioning Inc Pros
Informed that your residence has inferior air quality but not sure how to enhance it? Or unsure which product is ideal for you? Give our approachable HVAC professionals a call at 239-241-5318 or contact us online now. With free estimates and professional assistance, we’ll help you find the ideal equipment for your home and budget.