If you’re questioning whether your Des Moines house has unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ), it likely does.

We are indoors a lot. In fact, 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 issues.

Most Common Sources of Bad IAQ

We’ve put together a list of the most frequent causes of poor IAQ, the issues they cause and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re troubled by the air inside your home, we suggest talking with a pro like Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling about which products are ideal for your family.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes leaked 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 fumes accumulate inside, they might irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They may also cause headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your residence is in a rural or industrial space, an EPA study found indoor levels of these chemicals can be 2–5 times higher than the air outside your home.

Always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines when using paint or cleaning supplies. Opening a window can help odors disperse faster.

Air purification systems can also better your air. This equipment partners with your heating and cooling unit to improve indoor air. When looking for one, ensure it’s specifically made to eliminate 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 residence’s comfort equipment. While you can vacuum more regularly and get an improved air filter, an air filtration system might be a better fit.

This solution hooks to your HVAC equipment to deliver powerful filtration. Some models provide hospital-level filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.

Lasting Odors

Modern homes are securely sealed to boost energy efficiency. While this is great for your energy costs, it’s not very good for your IAQ.

Stuffy odors can stay around for a greater amount of time since your home is pulling in less fresh air. Since keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t an option, here are two approaches you can make your indoor air smell better.

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

A ventilation system removes musty indoor air and exchanges it with crisp outdoor air. There are two kinds of units (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our professionals for more information on which solution is ideal for your home.

Unsteady Humidity

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

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

In place of having to lug a humidifier from room to room, this product delivers even humidity around 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 creates an extreme health risk. In low levels, it can create flu-like sickness like headaches and nausea. It can be fatal in large concentrations.

We recommend yearly furnace maintenance to double-check your equipment is operating smoothly. This job allows our specialists to discover troubles before they get bigger, including malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.

The best way to keep your residence free of carbon monoxide is to install detectors. These alarms must be on each floor close to bedrooms and living rooms.

Better Your Home’s Air Quality with the Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling Professionals

Aware that your home has poor air quality but not sure how to enhance it? Or unsure which option is right for you? Give our kind HVAC pros a call at 515-207-6569 or contact us online now. With free estimates and expert service, we’ll help you locate the ideal equipment for your home and budget.