If you’re unsure whether your Cedar Rapids residence has poor indoor air quality (IAQ), it probably 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 houses could be 2–5 times worse than outdoors, which could create long-term health concerns.

Most Common Origins of Poor IAQ

We’ve put together a list of the most common causes of inferior IAQ, the troubles they create and how you can remedy these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your house, we recommend talking with a pro like Ilten's about which solutions are ideal for your house.

Volatile Organic Compounds

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

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

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

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

Always use the manufacturer’s instructions when using paint or cleaning supplies. Unlatching a window can help vapors disperse faster.

Air purification systems can also improve your air. This system partners with your heating and cooling system to enhance indoor air. When seeking one, ensure it’s specifically created to eradicate 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 home’s comfort system. While you can vacuum more regularly and buy an improved air filter, an air filtration system may be a better match.

This solution hooks to your comfort equipment to give strong filtration. Some kinds have hospital-level filtration for eliminating particles and bioaerosols.

Lasting Odors

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

Stale odors can hang around for a greater amount of time since your house is pulling in less fresh air. Since keeping your windows open throughout the year isn’t a possibility, here are two methods you can make your indoor air smell fresher.

An air purification system is installed in your HVAC system to wipe out odors before they recirculate. Search for one with a carbon filter and the ability to eliminate damaging VOCs. These systems can also help keep your family healthy by getting rid of most bacteria and common allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system takes out stale indoor air and replaces it with fresh outdoor air. There are two types of systems (heat recovery and energy recovery), so call our professionals for more information on which kind is right for your home.

Uneven Humidity

It’s important your home’s humidity stays even. Air that has too much moisture can create mold, while dry air can cause 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 comfort system.

In place of having to drag a humidifier from room to room, this product delivers balanced 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 appliances, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.

It creates a serious health risk. In little levels, it can cause flu-like symptoms like headaches and nausea. It can be fatal in large concentrations.

We advise regular furnace maintenance to make sure your system is operating properly. This job allows our technicians to pinpoint troubles before they begin, including malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.

The best method to keep your house free of carbon monoxide is to get detectors. These alarms must be on every floor near bedrooms and living spaces.

Improve Your Home’s Air Quality with the Ilten's Pros

Informed that your residence has bad air quality but not sure how to enhance it? Or unsure which product is a good fit for you? Give our approachable HVAC specialists a call at 319-208-2351 or contact us online now. With free estimates and professional service, we’ll help you locate the best equipment for your family and budget.