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

We are indoors a lot. As a matter of fact, we’re in a building up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside residences could be 2–5 times more contaminated than outdoors, which may create long-term health issues.

Most Common Sources of Unsatisfactory IAQ

We’ve made a list of the most ordinary sources of inferior IAQ, the troubles they make and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your residence, we recommend chatting with a specialist like Total Assurance AC & Heating about which options 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 in addition to:

  • Furniture
  • Carpet
  • Building materials
  • Cleaning products
  • Cosmetics
  • Air fresheners
  • Candles

When these chemicals accumulate in your home, they might irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They can 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 use the manufacturer’s directions when using paint or cleaning supplies. Opening a window can help vapors disperse faster.

Air purification systems can also make it better. This equipment partners with your heating and cooling equipment to clean indoor air. When hunting for a system, ensure it’s specifically created to eliminate 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 could be a better solution.

This unit hooks to your heating and cooling equipment to provide strong filtration. Some types provide hospital-level filtration for eliminating particles and bioaerosols.

Persistent Odors

Newer residences are securely sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your energy costs, it’s not so good for your IAQ.

Musty odors can stick around for a greater amount of time since your residence is pulling in less fresh air. Since keeping your windows open all year-round isn’t doable, here are two approaches you can make your indoor air smell fresher.

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

A ventilation system takes out stale indoor air and exchanges it with fresh outdoor air. There are two types of units (heat recovery and energy recovery), so call our professionals for more info on which type is ideal for your residence.

Uneven Humidity

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

Our specialists 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 heating and cooling equipment.

Rather than having to pull a humidifier from room to room, this equipment delivers even 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 units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.

It presents a serious health risk. In little levels, it can create flu-like sickness like headaches and nausea. It may be lethal in heavy concentrations.

We advise annual furnace maintenance to ensure your unit is operating like it should. This job allows our professionals to find issues before they start, including malfunctions that can cause carbon monoxide leaks.

The best method to keep your house free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms must be on all floors close to bedrooms and living spaces.

Improve Your House’s Air Quality with the Total Assurance AC & Heating Specialists

Aware that your home has poor air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which option is best for you? Give our friendly HVAC experts a call at 361-217-7080 or contact us online now. With free estimates and professional assistance, we’ll help you find the ideal option for your needs and budget.