If you’re unsure whether your Fort Lauderdale residence has poor indoor air quality (IAQ), it probably 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 houses could be 2–5 times more contaminated than outdoors, which may create long-term health issues.

Most Common Origins of Bad IAQ

We’ve put together a list of the most common sources of bad IAQ, the issues they make and how you can take care of these indoor air pollutants. If you’re troubled by the air inside your home, we suggest chatting with a expert like Solar Air Inc. about which options are ideal for your house.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are vapors leaked by common household items.

They’re found in paint and stains along with:

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

When these vapors accumulate in your home, they can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They might also create headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your house is in a rural or industrial space, an EPA study found indoor levels of these chemicals can be 2–5 times greater than the air outside your home.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using paint or cleaning supplies. Cracking a window can help fumes disperse faster.

Air purification systems can also make it better. This system partners with your heating and cooling equipment to improve indoor air. When looking for a model, ensure it’s specifically made to eliminate VOCs.

Dust and Pet Dander

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

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

Lasting Odors

New residences are securely sealed to boost energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your heating and cooling expenses, it’s not very good for your IAQ.

Stuffy odors can stick around for a greater amount of time since your residence is pulling in a smaller amount of fresh air. As keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t doable, here are two ways you can make your indoor air smell cleaner.

An air purification system is put in your ducts to eliminate odors before they get released again. Search for one with a carbon filter and the power to wipe out damaging VOCs. These systems can also help keep your loved ones healthy by getting rid of most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system removes stuffy indoor air and replaces it with clean outdoor air. There are two types of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our professionals for more information on which solution is right for your residence.

Unbalanced Humidity

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

Our specialists suggest 40–50% for top comfort. To keep yours in balance, think over getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your HVAC system.

In place of having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this solution delivers balanced humidity throughout your house.

Carbon Monoxide

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

It creates a serious health risk. In low levels, it can lead to flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It can be lethal in heavy concentrations.

We suggest annual furnace maintenance to make sure your system is working like it should. This work allows our techs to pinpoint troubles before they begin, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.

The best way to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms should be on every floor near bedrooms and living spaces.

Enhance Your Home’s Air Quality with the Solar Air Inc. Professionals

Know that your home has bad air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which product is right for you? Give our friendly HVAC professionals a call at 954-320-7398 or contact us online now. With free estimates and pro assistance, we’ll help you choose the right solution for your needs and budget.