If you’re questioning whether your Manassas residence has bad 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 homes could be 2–5 times more contaminated than outdoors, which could create long-term health issues.

Most Common Sources of Bad IAQ

We’ve made a list of the most common sources of poor IAQ, the problems they create and how you can fix these indoor air pollutants. If you’re concerned about the air inside your house, we suggest consulting with a expert like Woody's Sudden Service about which options are best for your home.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are fumes released by common household things.

They’re found in paint and stains along with:

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

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

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

Air purification systems can also better your air. This system partners with your heating and cooling system to improve indoor air. When seeking a system, ensure it’s specifically made to eliminate VOCs.

Dust and Pet Dander

Dust and pet dander can trigger health problems like asthma and allergies, especially when it continuously gets recirculated by your house’s comfort unit. 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 heating and cooling equipment to provide powerful filtration. Some models provide hospital-level filtration for removing particles and bioaerosols.

Lasting Odors

Modern residences are securely sealed to increase energy efficiency. While this is good for your heating and cooling bill, it’s not so good for your IAQ.

Stale odors can stay around for a greater amount of time because your home is pulling in less fresh air. Since keeping your windows open all year-round isn’t an option, here are two methods you can make your indoor air smell cleaner.

An air purification system is placed in your ductwork to neutralize odors before they are redistributed. Search for one with a carbon filter and the power to eliminate damaging VOCs. This equipment can also help keep your household healthy by getting rid of most bacteria and ordinary allergy triggers like pollen and mold spores.

A ventilation system removes stuffy indoor air and exchanges it with crisp outdoor air. There are two types of systems (heat recovery and energy recovery), so ask our professionals for more information on which kind is best for your house.

Uneven Humidity

It’s essential your residence’s humidity remains even. Air that has too much moisture can create mold, while dry air can create respiratory symptoms.

Our pros suggest 40–50% for the best comfort. To keep yours even, think about getting a whole-home humidifier or whole-home dehumidifier with your HVAC equipment.

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

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is colorless gas you can’t smell. It’s a byproduct of insufficient combustion in fuel-burning units, like gas heating systems, water heaters or fireplaces.

It produces a severe health risk. In small levels, it can create flu-like sickness like headaches and nausea. It can be deadly in heavy concentrations.

We suggest regular furnace maintenance to make sure your system is operating like it should. This work allows our professionals to find issues before they get bigger, including malfunctions that can cause carbon monoxide leaks.

The best approach to keep your residence free of carbon monoxide is to put in detectors. These alarms need to be on all floors near bedrooms and living rooms.

Better Your Residence’s Air Quality with the Woody's Sudden Service Professionals

Aware that your home has poor air quality but not sure how to enhance it? Or unsure which product is a good fit for you? Give our friendly HVAC specialists a call at 703-278-2036 or contact us online right away. With free estimates and pro support, we’ll help you locate the ideal solution for your family and budget.