If you’re uncertain whether your Buellton residence has unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ), it probably does.

We are indoors a lot. 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 polluted than outdoors, which can create long-term health problems.

Most Common Origins of Bad IAQ

We’ve made a list of the most common sources of bad IAQ, the troubles they create and how you can take care of these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your home, we suggest talking with a professional like Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning about which products are a good fit for your home.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes 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 can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They can also cause headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your home 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 your home.

Always use the manufacturer’s instructions when using paint or cleaning supplies. Opening a window can help odors dissipate faster.

Air purification systems can also improve your air. This system partners with your heating and cooling equipment to enhance indoor air. When seeking one, 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 constantly gets moved by your home’s comfort system. While you can vacuum more frequently and buy an improved air filter, an air filtration system might be a better solution.

This equipment hooks to your HVAC equipment to give strong filtration. Some models have hospital-level filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.

Lingering Odors

New houses are closely sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your heating and cooling costs, it’s not ideal for your IAQ.

Stuffy odors can stick around for a greater amount of time as your residence is pulling in less fresh air. Because keeping your windows open all the time isn’t a possibility, here are two approaches you can make your indoor air smell better.

An air purification system is put in your HVAC system to eliminate odors before they get released again. Search for one with a carbon filter and the ability to eliminate dangerous VOCs. These systems can also help keep your loved ones healthy by eliminating most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system removes stuffy indoor air and substitutes it with fresh outdoor air. There are two types of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our professionals for more info on which type is right for your residence.

Unsteady Humidity

It’s critical your house’s humidity remains even. Air that’s too moist can lead to mold, while dry air can create respiratory symptoms.

Our pros suggest 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours even, consider getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your comfort system.

Rather than having to lug 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’s a byproduct of insufficient combustion in fuel-burning equipment, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.

It causes an extreme health risk. In little levels, it can cause flu-like sickness like headaches and nausea. It may be lethal in large amounts.

We suggest annual furnace maintenance to make sure your equipment is running like it should. This work allows our pros to spot troubles before they get bigger, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.

The best method to keep your house free of carbon monoxide is to put in detectors. These alarms need to be on every floor near bedrooms and living spaces.

Enhance Your Home’s Air Quality with the Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning Experts

Informed that your residence has bad air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which product is right for you? Give our kind HVAC professionals a call at 805-242-9638 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and pro service, we’ll help you find the best option for your family and budget.