If you’re unsure whether your West Valley City residence has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it possibly does.

We are indoors a lot. As a matter of fact, we’re indoors 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 can create long-term health problems.

Most Common Origins of Poor IAQ

We’ve put together a list of the most ordinary sources of bad IAQ, the troubles they create and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re troubled by the air inside your home, we recommend consulting with a professional like Select Comfort Systems about which options are a good fit for your family.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes emitted from everyday household items.

They’re found in paint and stains along with:

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

When these fumes accumulate in your home, they can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They can also lead to headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your home is in a rural or industrial area, an EPA study found indoor levels of these pollutants can be 2–5 times greater than the air outside.

Always follow the manufacturer’s directions when painting or cleaning. Opening a window can help vapors dissipate faster.

Air purification systems can also make it better. This equipment partners with your heating and cooling unit to enhance indoor air. When seeking one, ensure it’s specifically created to eliminate VOCs.

Dust and Pet Dander

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

This unit hooks to your comfort equipment to give powerful filtration. Some types offer hospital-level filtration for eliminating particles and bioaerosols.

Persistent Odors

Newer residences are closely sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is great for your utility expenses, it’s not very good for your IAQ.

Stale odors can stay around for a greater amount of time as your residence is pulling in reduced fresh air. Since keeping your windows open all year-round isn’t an option, here are two ways you can make your indoor air smell better.

An air purification system is installed in your HVAC system to eliminate odors before they are redistributed. Look for one with a carbon filter and the capability to break down dangerous VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your household healthy by eliminating most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system takes out stale indoor air and replaces it with crisp outdoor air. There are two models of systems (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our professionals for more information on which type is right for your house.

Unsteady Humidity

It’s important your home’s humidity keeps even. Air that has too much moisture can cause mold, while dry air can create respiratory issues.

Our technicians suggest 40–50% for ideal comfort. To keep yours in balance, think about getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your heating and cooling equipment.

In place of having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this solution delivers consistent humidity across 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 presents a serious health risk. In small levels, it can create flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It may be lethal in heavy levels.

We suggest yearly furnace maintenance to make sure your unit is running smoothly. This service allows our techs to discover troubles before they start, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.

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

Improve Your House’s Air Quality with the Select Comfort Systems Pros

Aware that your house has bad air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which solution is best for you? Give our approachable HVAC experts a call at 801-305-4777 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and pro support, we’ll help you locate the right solution for your family and budget.