If you’re unsure whether your Tucson residence has unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely 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 might create long-term health problems.

Most Common Sources of Bad IAQ

We’ve put together a list of the most ordinary causes of bad IAQ, the problems they create and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re worried about the air inside your residence, we advise consulting with a expert like Ambient Air about which solutions are ideal for your family.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes 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 in your home, they may irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They might also create 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 worse than the air outdoors.

Always use the manufacturer’s directions when painting or cleaning. Opening a window can help chemicals disappear faster.

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

Dust and Pet Dander

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

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

Lasting Odors

Newer homes are tightly sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your energy costs, it’s not ideal for your IAQ.

Stale odors can stick around for a greater amount of time as your home is pulling in less fresh air. As keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t a possibility, here are two approaches you can make your indoor air smell better.

An air purification system is placed in your HVAC system to neutralize odors before they recirculate. Look for one with a carbon filter and the power to wipe out damaging VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your household healthy by getting rid of most bacteria and ordinary allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system pulls out musty indoor air and replaces it with clean outdoor air. There are two types of systems (heat recovery and energy recovery), so call our professionals for more details on which kind is right for your house.

Unbalanced Humidity

It’s essential your house’s humidity remains even. Air that’s too moist can create mold, while dry air can create respiratory concerns.

Our techs suggest 40–50% for ideal comfort. To keep yours even, think about getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your comfort equipment.

Rather than having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this product delivers consistent humidity throughout your house.

Carbon Monoxide

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

It presents a severe health risk. In small levels, it can cause flu-like sickness like headaches and nausea. It may be deadly in large levels.

We suggest regular furnace maintenance to ensure your equipment is working like it should. This service allows our specialists to spot troubles before they get bigger, including malfunctions that can create 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 spaces.

Improve Your House’s Air Quality with the Ambient Air Specialists

Aware that your home has poor air quality but not sure how to enhance it? Or unsure which option is best for you? Give our kind HVAC experts a call at 520-357-4912 or contact us online today. With free estimates and expert support, we’ll help you locate the right solution for your family and budget.