If you’re questioning whether your Payson residence has unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ), it possibly does.

We are indoors a lot. In reality, 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 more polluted than outdoors, which may create long-term health concerns.

Most Common Causes of Bad IAQ

We’ve made a list of the most ordinary causes of poor IAQ, the problems they create and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your residence, we suggest consulting with a pro like North Mechanical Heating and Cooling about which options are best for your family.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals released by everyday household things.

They’re found in paint and stains as well as:

  • 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 might also lead to headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your residence is in a rural or industrial location, an EPA study found indoor levels of these fumes can be 2–5 times greater than the air outdoors.

Always adhere to the manufacturer’s directions when painting or cleaning. Opening a window can help odors disappear faster.

Air purification systems can also better your air. This equipment partners with your heating and cooling unit to freshen indoor air. When looking for one, ensure it’s specifically made to eliminate VOCs.

Dust and Pet Dander

Dust and pet dander can trigger health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continuously gets moved by your home’s comfort system. While you can vacuum more regularly and get an improved air filter, an air filtration system could be a better solution.

This unit hooks to your comfort equipment to deliver mighty filtration. Some models provide hospital-level filtration for eliminating particles and bioaerosols.

Lingering Odors

Newer homes are tightly sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is great for your heating and cooling expenses, it’s not so good for your IAQ.

Stale odors can hang around for a greater amount of time because your home is pulling in reduced fresh air. Because keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t doable, here are two ways you can make your indoor air smell fresher.

An air purification system is installed in your ductwork to wipe out odors before they recirculate. Search for one with a carbon filter and the ability to break down damaging VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your loved ones healthy by eliminating most bacteria and ordinary allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system takes out musty indoor air and replaces it with crisp outdoor air. There are two types of units (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our professionals for more details on which solution is best for your home.

Unbalanced Humidity

It’s critical your home’s humidity stays even. Air that’s too humid can create mold, while dry air can cause respiratory issues.

Our technicians suggest 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours in balance, think over getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your comfort equipment.

Instead of having to pull a humidifier from room to room, this equipment delivers balanced humidity around your house.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It occurs when there’s insufficient combustion in fuel-burning units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.

It poses a severe health risk. In low levels, it can cause flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It may be lethal in big amounts.

We suggest regular furnace maintenance to double-check your system is operating properly. This job allows our techs to find troubles before they begin, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.

The best approach to keep your residence free of carbon monoxide is to put in detectors. These alarms need to be on each floor near bedrooms and living areas.

Improve Your Home’s Air Quality with the North Mechanical Heating and Cooling Professionals

Informed that your house has inferior air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which option is ideal for you? Give our approachable HVAC pros a call at 928-263-8570 or contact us online now. With free estimates and expert service, we’ll help you find the ideal option for your family and budget.