If you’re unsure whether your Manassas residence 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 more contaminated than outdoors, which can create long-term health concerns.

Most Common Causes of Bad IAQ

We’ve compiled a list of the most common origins of inferior IAQ, the problems they cause and how you can take care of these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your residence, we advise chatting with a pro like Fire & Ice HVAC about which products are ideal for your home.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals leaked by everyday household things.

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

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

When these fumes accumulate inside, they may irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They can also result in 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 adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions when painting or cleaning. Opening a window can help vapors disperse faster.

Air purification systems can also make it better. This system partners with your heating and cooling unit to improve indoor air. When looking for one, ensure it’s specifically created to eradicate VOCs.

Dust and Pet Dander

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

This solution hooks to your HVAC equipment to give powerful filtration. Some kinds offer hospital-level filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.

Persistent Odors

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

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

An air purification system is put in your HVAC system to neutralize odors before they are redistributed. Find one with a carbon filter and the ability to wipe out dangerous VOCs. These systems can also help keep your loved ones healthy by eliminating most bacteria and normal allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system pulls out musty indoor air and replaces it with fresh outdoor air. There are two models of systems (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our professionals for more info on which solution is best for your house.

Unsteady Humidity

It’s critical your home’s humidity remains even. Air that’s too moist can cause mold, while dry air can create respiratory troubles.

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

Rather than having to drag a humidifier from room to room, this product delivers even humidity across your house.

Carbon Monoxide

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

It poses a serious health risk. In small levels, it can cause flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It may be deadly in heavy concentrations.

We advise regular furnace maintenance to double-check your equipment is operating smoothly. This job allows our techs to see issues before they begin, 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 need to be on each floor by bedrooms and living rooms.

Better Your Home’s Air Quality with the Fire & Ice HVAC Specialists

Know that your house has bad air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which product is right for you? Give our kind HVAC specialists a call at 703-595-4157 or contact us online today. With free estimates and expert assistance, we’ll help you find the right equipment for your needs and budget.