When it comes to IAQ issues, there are many well documented causes that most people understand. Airborne contaminants, such as: pollen, dust, pet hair and others can all have detrimental effects on the IAQ in your home. But, there are other lesser-known pollutants that can lower the IAQ dramatically and many people have never heard of them. In this article, we will look at three of these contaminants in more detail and suggest some ways to deal with them.

1.  Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Although VOCs are encountered as gases in our homes, they are actually sourced from certain products that exist in a liquid or solid state. Some of the sources of VOCs include: paint thinners, lacquers, paints, permanent markers, pesticides, adhesives and more. According to data released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the concentrations of VOCs have risen to as much as ten times indoors compared to outdoors. This is a concerning development and it means that our indoor air is polluted to a greater degree than many people truly understand. There are three main ways to deal with VOCs in your home, they are:

  1. Choose Environmentally Friendly Products: In recent decades, we have seen a proliferation of products that are friendlier to the environment. It’s now possible to make better purchasing decisions when it comes to buying paint, crafting supplies and cleaning products. Examine the labels to find products that have very low or no VOCs to reduce the concentration of these harmful gases in your home.
  2. Outdoor Use Only: If you cannot find a product that contains low levels of VOCs, make sure that their use is restricted to outdoor use only. Preventing pollution in your home will go a long way to improving the overall IAQ.
  3. Ventilate and Improve the IAQ: Even cracking open a window during cooler parts of the day can bring some much needed oxygen indoors. Another option is to contact your local heating and cooling specialist and ask them about an air purification system. There are systems that can remove a wide variety of contaminants including VOCs from your indoor air.

2. Microorganisms

In our current global climate, it seems like every other news piece is devoted to the subject of microorganisms, such as: bacteria, viruses, cysts, mold and more. If you have someone in your home with an illness, this can spread to other areas easily. The HVAC system recirculates the home constantly when it’s running. During a typical day, the air will pass through the home several times along with anything living in it. If anyone in your home has allergies or a pre-existing respiratory condition, they are usually the first people to notice a problem. If you feel sick all the time and lack energy, the cause may be poor IAQ due to the presence of microorganisms and other pollutants. There are four main way to deal with airborne microorganisms in your home, they are:

  1. Install an Air Purifier: Installing a whole-home air purification system will boost the protection against airborne microorganisms. Harmful bacteria and viral particles will be scrubbed from the air to slow or prevent the spread of illness.
  2. Control the Humidity: A whole-home humidifier can alter the moisture levels to decrease the effectiveness of viruses and bacteria. Homes that have a higher humidity level that’s still within the comfortable range will be less susceptible to these threats. The ability of the microorganisms to replicate is inhibited which makes them less effective.
  3. Regular Air Filter Changes: The primary function of an air filter is to protect the sensitive components in your HVAC system from damage, But, they do have some effect on the IAQ and they need to be cleaned or changed regularly. The full instructions are in the owner’s manual for your system. If you have pets you may need to change your air filter more frequently to avoid clogging caused by pet hair.
  4. Upgrade the Air Filter: Installing an air filter with a higher Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) can trap bacterial or viral particles. A HEPA filter with a MERV rating up to 13 can be very effective at removing many microorganisms. But, there is a tradeoff because denser filters lower the airflow which is essential for efficient operation of the heating and cooling system. For this reason, it’s a good idea to ask your local certified and licensed HVAC specialist or professional advice.

3. Wildfire Smoke

If you live in an area that’s prone to wildfires then smoke can be the cause of poor IAQ at certain times of the year. In fact, any source of smoke from log burners to cigarettes can be a cause for concern. There are three main ways to deal with smoke related air quality issues in your home, they are:

  1. Avoid Using Window AC Systems: A window based AC system doesn’t have a recirculate mode that passes the indoor air through a filter. Installing an HVAC system is a better option if you need to deal with smoke pollution regularly.
  2. Set the HVAC System to Recirculate: If you have wildfire smoke outdoors the last thing you want to do is draw that polluted air indoors. Close the fresh air intake and set the system to the recirculate mode instead. This function will vary depending on the system you have installed but the air quality will be better than the alternative.
  3. Upgrade Your Air Filter: If you switch your air filter for an alternative with a MERV rating of 13 or higher, you can remove smoke particles. Again, this can place significant strain on your system and it may not be possible at all. If you want to improve your IAQ, get some advice on the types of filters you can use from an expert in the field.

In Conclusion

There are many contaminants that can lower your IAQ to an unhealthy level. Many of us have poorer IAQ, when compared to polluted air outdoors and this can have a dramatic effect on your overall health. If you want to improve your IAQ, speak to a local certified and licensed heating and cooling specialist today.