If you’re questioning whether your Muskogee home has poor indoor air quality (IAQ), it probably does.

We are indoors a lot. In reality, we’re inside 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 contaminated than outdoors, which could create long-term health concerns.

Most Common Sources of Bad IAQ

We’ve compiled a list of the most ordinary causes of bad IAQ, the issues they cause and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your house, we suggest consulting with a specialist like Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. about which options are a good fit for your family.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are vapors leaked by 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 accumulate indoors, they can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They might also lead to headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your house is in a rural or industrial area, an EPA study found indoor levels of these pollutants can be 2–5 times worse than the air outdoors.

Always use the manufacturer’s instructions when painting or cleaning. Unlatching a window can help vapors disappear faster.

Air purification systems can also make it better. This equipment partners with your heating and cooling unit to clean indoor air. When seeking a model, ensure it’s specifically designed to wipe out VOCs.

Dust and Pet Dander

Dust and pet dander can irritate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continually gets redistributed by your home’s comfort system. While you can vacuum more frequently and install an improved air filter, an air filtration system may be a better solution.

This equipment hooks to your HVAC equipment to deliver mighty filtration. Some kinds offer hospital-level filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.

Lingering Odors

Modern residences are closely sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is good for your heating and cooling costs, it’s not very good for your IAQ.

Stale odors can stay around for a greater amount of time because your home is pulling in reduced fresh air. As keeping your windows open all year-round isn’t an option, here are two ways you can make your indoor air smell cleaner.

An air purification system is placed in your ductwork to eliminate odors before they recirculate. Search for one with a carbon filter and the capability to break down dangerous VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your household healthy by getting rid of most bacteria and ordinary allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system removes stuffy indoor air and substitutes it with crisp outdoor air. There are two models of units (heat recovery and energy recovery), so call our professionals for more info on which type is right for your house.

Unsteady Humidity

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

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

In place of having to drag a humidifier from room to room, this solution delivers even 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 units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.

It creates a severe health risk. In low levels, it can lead to flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It can be lethal in large levels.

We advise regular furnace maintenance to double-check your system is running smoothly. This job allows our pros to spot troubles before they start, including malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.

The best approach to keep your house free of carbon monoxide is to put in detectors. These alarms must be on each floor by bedrooms and living spaces.

Enhance Your Residence’s Air Quality with the Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. Specialists

Know that your residence has poor air quality but not sure how to enhance it? Or unsure which product is best for you? Give our friendly HVAC experts a call at 918-682-8238 or contact us online today. With free estimates and pro support, we’ll help you choose the best solution for your family and budget.