If you’re questioning whether your Cedar Rapids residence has bad indoor air quality (IAQ), it probably does.

We are indoors a lot. 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 houses could be 2–5 times worse than outdoors, which may create long-term health issues.

Most Common Causes of Bad IAQ

We’ve compiled a list of the most ordinary sources of poor IAQ, the troubles they cause and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your house, we suggest consulting with a pro like Ilten's about which options are a good fit 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 in addition to:

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

When these vapors accumulate in your home, they might irritate your eyes, nose and throat. They may also cause headaches and nausea. Regardless of whether your home is in a rural or industrial location, an EPA study found indoor levels of these pollutants can be 2–5 times worse than the air outside your home.

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

Air purification systems can also make it better. This equipment partners with your heating and cooling equipment to improve indoor air. When seeking one, ensure it’s specifically designed to wipe out VOCs.

Dust and Pet Dander

Dust and pet dander can trigger health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it constantly gets recirculated by your residence’s comfort unit. While you can vacuum more frequently and get an improved air filter, an air filtration system might be a better match.

This equipment hooks to your HVAC equipment to give powerful filtration. Some models offer hospital-level filtration for eliminating particles and bioaerosols.

Persistent Odors

New houses are tightly sealed to enhance energy efficiency. While this is fantastic for your energy bill, it’s not very good for your IAQ.

Musty odors can hang around for a greater amount of time because your home is pulling in reduced fresh air. Since keeping your windows open all year-round isn’t doable, here are two approaches you can make your indoor air smell fresher.

An air purification system is put in your ducts to neutralize odors before they get released again. Search for one with a carbon filter and the capability to wipe out damaging VOCs. These systems can also help keep your family healthy by eliminating most bacteria and ordinary allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system pulls out stuffy indoor air and substitutes it with fresh outdoor air. There are two kinds of equipment (heat recovery and energy recovery), so check with our professionals for more information on which kind is best for your house.

Uneven Humidity

It’s critical your house’s humidity stays even. Air that’s too humid can lead to mold, while dry air can lead to respiratory concerns.

Our experts suggest 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours steady, think about getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your comfort system.

Rather than having to pull a humidifier from room to room, this solution delivers even humidity around your house.

Carbon Monoxide

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

It produces an extreme health risk. In small levels, it can create flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It could be fatal in big levels.

We recommend yearly furnace maintenance to double-check your system is operating like it should. This job allows our professionals to pinpoint problems before they start, including malfunctions that can create carbon monoxide leaks.

The best way to keep your residence free of carbon monoxide is to put in detectors. These alarms should be on every floor by bedrooms and living rooms.

Better Your House’s Air Quality with the Ilten's Pros

Know that your house has bad air quality but not sure how to improve it? Or unsure which product is ideal for you? Give our friendly HVAC professionals a call at 319-208-2351 or contact us online now. With free estimates and professional support, we’ll help you choose the ideal equipment for your needs and budget.