If you’re unsure whether your Rapid City residence has unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ), it probably does.
We spend a lot of time inside. In 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 worse than outdoors, which could lead to long-term health issues.
Most Common Origins of Bad IAQ
We’ve made a list of the most ordinary origins of bad IAQ, the problems they create and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re troubled by the air inside your house, we suggest chatting with a professional like Street Heating and Cooling about which options are a good fit for your house.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes leaked by everyday household things.
They’re found in paint and stains along with:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Building materials
- Cleaning products
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Candles
When these vapors accumulate indoors, they may irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They may also cause headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your home is in a rural or industrial area, 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 directions when painting or cleaning. Unlatching a window can help chemicals disperse more quickly.
Air purification systems can also help. This unit works with your heating and cooling equipment to enhance 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 continually gets moved by your house’s comfort equipment. While you can vacuum more routinely and install an enhanced air filter, an air filtration system might be a better fit.
This unit connects with your heating and cooling equipment to deliver mighty filtration. Some models have hospital-grade filtration for getting rid of particles and bioaerosols.
Lasting Odors
Modern houses are tightly sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is good for your energy expenses, it’s not so good for your IAQ.
Musty odors can stick around for a greater amount of time as your house is taking in a smaller amount of fresh air. Because keeping your windows open all the time isn’t an option, here are two ways you can make your indoor air smell better.
An air purification system is put in your ductwork to wipe out odors before they are redistributed. Find one with a carbon filter and the ability to eliminate damaging VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your loved ones healthy by eliminating most bacteria and ordinary allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.
A ventilation system pulls out stale indoor air and replaces it with fresh outdoor air. There are two models of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our techs for more information on which kind is ideal for your residence.
Unsteady Humidity
It’s essential your home’s humidity keeps balanced. Air that’s too humid can cause mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory issues.
Our professionals suggest 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours steady, think about getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your HVAC equipment.
Instead of having to drag a humidifier from room to room, this solution gives balanced humidity around your home.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is gas you can’t see or smell. It occurs when there’s unfinished combustion in fuel-burning units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.
It presents a serious health risk. In low levels, it can cause flu-like ailments like headaches and nausea. It can be fatal in big levels.
We suggest regular furnace maintenance to make sure your equipment is working properly. This service allows our technicians to discover troubles before they get bigger, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.
The best way to keep your home free of carbon monoxide is to install detectors. These alarms should be on each floor near bedrooms and living rooms.
Improve Your Home’s Air Quality with the Street Heating and Cooling Specialists
Informed that your house has poor air quality but not sure how to make it better? Or unsure which product is right for you? Give our approachable HVAC experts a call at 605-206-3915 or contact us online now. With free estimates and professional assistance, we’ll help you locate the best equipment for your home and budget.