If you’re uncertain whether your Cedar Rapids home has unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ), it possibly does.

We are indoors a lot. In reality, we’re indoors 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 might create long-term health problems.

Most Common Causes of Bad IAQ

We’ve compiled a list of the most frequent origins of bad IAQ, the problems they cause and how you can take care of these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your residence, we advise consulting with a expert like Ilten's about which products are ideal for your family.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes leaked by everyday household items.

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

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

When these chemicals accumulate in your home, they might irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They can also create headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your house is in a rural or industrial space, an EPA study found indoor levels of these fumes can be 2–5 times worse than the air outdoors.

Always use the manufacturer’s guidelines when using paint or cleaning supplies. Opening a window can help chemicals dissipate faster.

Air purification systems can also make it better. This equipment partners with your heating and cooling system to clean indoor air. When looking for a model, ensure it’s specifically designed to wipe out 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 residence’s comfort unit. While you can vacuum more frequently and install an improved air filter, an air filtration system might be a better solution.

This solution hooks to your comfort equipment to deliver mighty filtration. Some kinds have hospital-level filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.

Persistent Odors

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

Musty odors can stay around for a greater amount of time because your house is pulling in less fresh air. Since keeping your windows open all the time isn’t an option, here are two methods you can make your indoor air smell better.

An air purification system is installed in your HVAC system to neutralize odors before they get released again. Find one with a carbon filter and the capability to eliminate dangerous VOCs. These units can also help keep your household healthy by wiping out 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 kinds of units (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our professionals for more info on which kind is best for your house.

Unbalanced Humidity

It’s critical your residence’s humidity keeps even. Air that’s too humid can lead to mold, while dry air can cause respiratory troubles.

Our professionals suggest 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours even, consider getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your heating and cooling equipment.

Instead of having to pull a humidifier from room to room, this solution delivers even humidity throughout your house.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It’s caused by insufficient combustion in fuel-burning appliances, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.

It presents a serious health risk. In low levels, it can cause flu-like sickness like headaches and nausea. It could be fatal in heavy concentrations.

We recommend annual furnace maintenance to double-check your equipment is working like it should. This job allows our professionals to see troubles before they start, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.

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

Improve Your House’s Air Quality with the Ilten's Specialists

Aware that your house has inferior air quality but not sure how to enhance it? Or unsure which option is right for you? Give our approachable HVAC specialists a call at 319-208-2351 or contact us online now. With free estimates and expert assistance, we’ll help you locate the ideal equipment for your family and budget.