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

We are indoors a lot. In fact, we’re inside up to 90% of the time, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And the air inside houses could be 2–5 times worse than outdoors, which might create long-term health problems.

Most Common Origins of Bad IAQ

We’ve compiled a list of the most ordinary causes of inferior IAQ, the troubles they make and how you can take care of these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your house, we suggest consulting with a expert like Farris Heating & Air about which solutions are best for your family.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are vapors released by everyday household products.

They’re found in paint and stains along with:

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

When these chemicals accumulate indoors, they can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They can also cause headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your residence is in a rural or industrial location, an EPA study found indoor levels of these pollutants can be 2–5 times higher than the air outside.

Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when applying paint or spraying cleaning products. Opening a window can help chemicals dissipate faster.

Air purification systems can also improve your air. This system partners with your heating and cooling system to improve indoor air. When seeking one, ensure it’s specifically designed to wipe out VOCs.

Dust and Pet Dander

Dust and pet dander can aggravate health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continually gets moved by your house’s comfort equipment. While you can vacuum more routinely and install an improved air filter, an air filtration system might be a better match.

This unit hooks to your comfort equipment to provide mighty filtration. Some kinds provide hospital-level filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.

Lasting Odors

Newer residences are tightly sealed to boost energy efficiency. While this is good for your energy bill, it’s not very good for your IAQ.

Stale odors can hang around for a greater amount of time since your residence is pulling in reduced fresh air. Because keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t a possibility, here are two approaches you can make your indoor air smell cleaner.

An air purification system is put in your ductwork to eliminate odors before they recirculate. Find one with a carbon filter and the ability to break down harmful VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your household healthy by wiping out most bacteria and ordinary allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system takes out stuffy indoor air and substitutes it with crisp outdoor air. There are two models of systems (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our professionals for more info on which solution is best for your home.

Unbalanced Humidity

It’s essential your residence’s humidity stays even. Air that has too much moisture can lead to mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory issues.

Our technicians suggest 40–50% for top comfort. To keep yours in balance, consider getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your heating and cooling system.

Rather than having to pull a humidifier from room to room, this solution delivers consistent humidity across your house.

Carbon Monoxide

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

It causes an extreme health risk. In low levels, it can cause flu-like sickness like headaches and nausea. It can be deadly in large levels.

We advise annual furnace maintenance to ensure your equipment is working like it should. This job allows our techs to spot issues before they begin, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.

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

Enhance Your House’s Air Quality with the Farris Heating & Air Professionals

Aware that your residence has inferior air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which option is best for you? Give our kind HVAC pros a call at 918-333-0376 or contact us online today. With free estimates and professional support, we’ll help you choose the ideal option for your home and budget.