The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency warns that poor indoor air quality is among the top American health risks. After all, most of us spend more than 90% of our time indoors at work and home. There are many common IAQ issues that the average homeowner has to deal with. These can range from inconveniences to problems that have significant short- and long-term health effects.
Persistent Bad Odors
If you have persistent stuffiness or unpleasant odors in your home, it could just be a ventilation issue. Open windows and doors for a while to provide some natural airflow. If you need more airflow in the summer and winter, you may want to consider mechanical ventilation. A recovery ventilator can add fresh air to your home in a precise and controlled manner while aiding HVAC efficiency. If the smells return after a good airing out, then you may be dealing with excess dust accumulation.
Excess Dust Accumulation
The EPA recommends a deep dusting once a week at least. Dust rooms from top to bottom using a microfiber duster. Pay particular attention to areas with lots of surface area, such as a shelf of knickknacks. Then, vacuum rugs, carpets, floors and furnishings. Ideally, use a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air filter. It will ensure that you trap dust and do not recirculate it.
If you’re losing the battle against dust, it can be make your home smell stale or even foul. Dust is also a main contributor to indoor air pollution. It’s not just a large particulate matter. Dust is essentially a sponge that traps other pollutants, extends their lifespans and continues to rerelease them over time.
Don’t forget about your HVAC system and its role in dust. Schedule seasonal tune-ups. Change your HVAC filter out as needed. Arrange duct cleaning every three years or so. No matter how clean you keep your home, dust will collect in your ducts over time. That can cause bad smells and poor IAQ when you run your HVAC. The only way to get rid out of it is to have a professional extract it.
Fuel-Burning Combustion Appliances
If you have a fuel-burning furnace, stove or other appliance, carbon monoxide is a concern. CO is colorless and odorless, so you should have CO detectors in the home. Gas appliances need proper venting and should be professionally inspected for safety at least once a year. Nitrogen dioxide is also a concern. While NO2 isn’t as dangerous as CO, it can lead to respiratory irritation. Long-term exposure can cause chronic bronchitis and more serious lung damage.
Fine Particulate Matter
Fine particulate matter is a dangerous component of air pollution. Modern medicine links long-term exposure to fine PM to many cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Common sources in the home include fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, candles, oil lamps and broilers.
Even if you have all electric appliances, pay particular attention to your kitchen. The modern kitchen should have ample ventilation. Turning your exhausts on should be the first thing you do when you start to cook. The EPA also recommends running them for 10 minutes after you finish.
Pollen
Pollen is among the main allergens found in homes. If you do want to open your home up for natural ventilation, it’s recommended you invest in pollen screens for windows. When you’ve sealed your home shut, a recovery ventilator can add fresh air without introducing any pollen.
You may need to change your HVAC filter more frequently during pollen season. Allergy sufferers may also want to consider an HVAC filter for allergies. The best way to control pollen in the home is through a whole-house air purifier. Choose a system with a HEPA filter. You want at least four air changes per hour. Systems rated as high as six ACH are readily available.
Dander
A whole-home air purifier will help with dander as well. You should also regularly groom and bathe pets. This is particularly important in summer and winter when you run your heating and cooling. If you do the grooming yourself, you should preferably do it outdoors.
Mold
Homeowners often associate mold with water damage, but mold spores are often present with any excess moisture. The most common way people add mold to their homes is by overwatering their houseplants. The best way to avoid mold is humidity control. With a whole-home dehumidifier, you can easily maintain a relative humidity of 50% or less. This makes a mold presence unlikely.
Dust Mites and Dust Mite Eggs
Dust mites are an allergen, and according to the American Lung Association, they’re present in most U.S. homes. Dust control is an effective way to control dust mite population. Another is dehumidification. With an RH at or below 50%, a home is inhospitable to dust mites.
Volatile Organic Compounds
VOCs are gases that contain chemicals, which may have long- and short-term adverse health effects. The EPA warns that VOCs are particularly dangerous indoors because they can exist at high concentration levels. Having a whole-home air purifier with an activated carbon stage is an effective means of removing VOCs. That said, homeowners should also note the products they buy. Many furnishings will off-gas VOCs for an extended period. You can also introduce them through household cleaners and air fresheners.
Radon
Radon is a radioactive gas that has no smell, taste or color. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Homeowners should have their homes professionally tested. If you’ve never tested, schedule as soon as possible.
You should also retest every two to five years depending on your location. If you live in an area where the potential for radon is high, you may want to go a step further. Experts recommend considering a radon detection and mitigation system.
Dry Air in Winter
Many people associate spring and summer with allergies, but fall and winter present their own challenges. The air is drier in the colder months. It can exacerbate allergy and asthma symptoms. Dry air can also cause skin and respiratory irritation in people who are otherwise healthy. One way to combat this is a whole-house humidifier. It will help you maintain an optimal RH during the heating season. You’ll enjoy better respiratory health, fewer headaches, less fatigue and better sleep.
Viruses and Bacteria
Bacteria and viruses in your home are a fact of life. You can control the concentration of pathogens in your home through better IAQ. If you want to limit them more directly, consider UV lamps in your ductwork. UV-C is a germicidal light that neutralizes bacteria, viruses, mold and fungal spores, dust mite eggs and much more.
Local IAQ Pros in Central New Jersey
Our IAQ experts are here to help in Metuchen and throughout the surrounding areas. We install and service UV lamps and whole-house air purifiers, dehumidifiers and humidifiers. Sam's Air Control also has NATE-certified technicians that install and service all heating and cooling technologies. That includes boilers, furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, geothermal systems and ductless mini-splits. Call us today, or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
