If you’re questioning whether your Newton home has poor indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely does.

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

Most Common Origins of Unsatisfactory IAQ

We’ve made a list of the most ordinary sources of poor IAQ, the problems they cause and how you can take care of these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your house, we suggest consulting with a expert like Brookwood Inc about which products are best for your house.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes leaked by everyday household items.

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

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

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

Always use the manufacturer’s directions when painting or cleaning. Cracking a window can help odors disperse faster.

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

Dust and Pet Dander

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

This solution hooks to your HVAC equipment to deliver mighty filtration. Some types offer hospital-level filtration for eliminating particles and bioaerosols.

Lingering Odors

Modern houses are closely sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is great for your energy bill, it’s not so good for your IAQ.

Stale odors can stick around for a greater amount of time because your home is pulling in reduced fresh air. Since keeping your windows open all the time isn’t an option, here are two methods you can make your indoor air smell better.

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

A ventilation system pulls out stuffy indoor air and exchanges it with clean outdoor air. There are two models of units (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our professionals for more info on which kind is best for your house.

Unsteady Humidity

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

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

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

It presents an extreme health risk. In small levels, it can cause flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It may be lethal in heavy concentrations.

We suggest annual furnace maintenance to ensure your unit is working smoothly. This service allows our specialists to see issues before they start, including malfunctions that can cause carbon monoxide leaks.

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

Better Your House’s Air Quality with the Brookwood Inc Pros

Informed that your residence has bad air quality but not sure how to enhance it? Or unsure which product is best for you? Give our kind HVAC specialists a call at 641-316-9803 or contact us online today. With free estimates and professional assistance, we’ll help you choose the best equipment for your family and budget.