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Air Quality FAQs

Have questions about your home’s air quality? Explore our Air Quality FAQs to learn how to keep your indoor air clean.
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FAQs

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is one of the most important factors affecting our health, as it’s the air we breathe for most of our lives. Yet, it’s often the most overlooked aspect of a building’s HVAC system.

When was the last time you considered your air quality? Has it been checked by a professional recently? Have you ever invested in duct cleaning? The experts at Tom’s Heating Service are here to answer common air quality FAQs, from ideal home humidity levels to reducing static electricity and more.

What Is Indoor Air Quality and Why Is It So Important?

Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the purity and conditions of air within a building—whether it’s a home or business—and how it impacts the health and comfort of those who live and work in that space. Poor air quality can lead to health issues, including as allergies, asthma, reduced lung function, fatigue, and respiratory and cardiovascular problems. It’s essential to assess your air quality to safeguard the health of those around you.

My Family Suffers from Allergies—Which Products Can Help Reduce Our Symptoms?

Consider using an air purifier to eliminate airborne pollen, mold, and other particles that can bypass your air filter, potentially causing discomfort or illness for your family. Depending on your home’s moisture levels, a humidifier or dehumidifier can also be beneficial in maintaining balanced humidity. This balance helps reduce contaminants that exacerbate allergy symptoms.

How Can I Improve the Air Quality in My Home?

Here are a few simple things you can do:

  • Change your air filter regularly and at the right intervals.
  • Use your exhaust fan when cooking or open a window for better ventilation.
  • Vacuum and dust regularly to minimize dust and dander buildup. Higher-quality (and typically more expensive) vacuums usually have better filtration systems and are better at trapping contaminants.
  • Buy indoor plants like a dragon tree, bamboo palm, or English ivy—all are exceptional at purifying the air naturally.
  • Limit or eliminate the use of aerosols and sprays.
  • Try to reduce the softer items in your home where possible—these include carpeting, rugs, and window dressings. Softer items will break down over time and release VOCs into the home, especially those made from recycled plastic.
  • Limit the burning of candles. If you choose to burn them, higher-quality candles will typically burn cleaner.
  • If you have/use a fireplace, be sure that the venting is adequate and cleaned as necessary to allow proper ventilation of contaminants.

What Are the Benefits of a Programmable Thermostat?

Some homeowners are wary of programmable thermostats but several benefits make them worth considering:

  • Save money by programming your heating and cooling systems to operate as efficiently as possible.
  • Maintain a consistent temperature instead of adjusting the heat or AC every time.
  • Spend less time trying to manage temperatures and more time enjoying a comfortable home.
  • Helps your system run properly and you’ll also protect it from breakdowns and early replacement.

Not sure if a programmable thermostat is right for your home? Let a Tom’s Heating expert assess your home and make a recommendation.

How Can I Tell If There’s Carbon Monoxide in My Home?

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, making it difficult to detect. That’s why you need a carbon monoxide detector. Be sure to replace the batteries in your detector regularly—twice a year—to ensure that this deadly gas doesn’t build up in your home without your knowledge. Additionally, replace the unit at the manufacturer-recommended intervals (usually every five years) to ensure proper operation.

If you experience symptoms like headaches, weakness, dizziness, nausea, or confusion, you may have been exposed to carbon monoxide. Leave your home immediately to get fresh air and call 911.

How Do I Know If My Home Is Getting Enough Ventilation?

Ventilation makes all the difference in ensuring your family is breathing healthy air. Be on the lookout for signs that indicate your home may have too much or too little ventilation.

  • Signs of too much air ventilation include feeling drafts, having overly dry or humid indoor air, and experiencing static electricity shocks during winter. You may also notice inconsistent temperatures.
  • Signs of too little air ventilation include stale odors, excess dust, and a stuffy, humid feeling. You’ll also notice inconsistent temperatures which could leave you adjusting the thermostat too often.

To ensure your home is properly ventilated, schedule an assessment with Tom’s Heating professional.

What Should the Humidity Level Be in My House?

Humidity levels impact more than just comfort; they can also affect your family’s health. We recommend maintaining an ideal humidity level between 35% and 52% to ensure comfort while minimizing mold growth and reducing allergens and asthma triggers.

What Are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)?

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gases emitted into the air from common household products and processes. Some VOCs are dangerous to your health, so it’s important to know where your levels stand and what can cause high levels, including:

  • Furniture/aging carpet
  • Paint
  • Drywall
  • Makeup
  • Candles
  • Air fresheners
  • Aerosol sprays
  • Cleaners and disinfectants

If your home has high levels of VOCs, keep the temperature and relative humidity level down and improve your ventilation by opening windows and doors when conditions allow. In severe cases, you will need high-efficiency air filtration or proper ventilation to correct the issue.

How Can I Reduce Static Electricity in My Home?

Static electricity is caused by overly dry air, especially during winter. Here are a few things you can do to reduce it:

  • Invest in a whole-home humidifier to add moisture to the air
  • Add dryer sheets to your laundry to remove static from your clothing
  • Use lotion to keep your skin from getting too dry

What Are the Benefits of a Humidifier/Dehumidifier?

Humidifiers are ideal for drier fall and winter months. These systems:

  • Reduce allergy and asthma symptoms
  • Alleviate dry, cracked, itchy skin and scratchy throats
  • Eliminate static electricity
  • Lower heating bills by helping you feel warmer at lower temperatures
  • Help protect woodwork and wood flooring from drying out and cracking

Dehumidifiers are your go-to system in overly humid spring and summer months. These systems:

  • Lower humidity levels and make your home less hospitable to allergens like dust mites and mold
  • Reduce odors that cause musty or stale smells
  • Decrease dust so you won’t have to clean as often
  • Lower air conditioning bills by helping you feel cooler at higher temperatures
  • Help protect woodwork and wood flooring from swelling and getting damaged

Got More Questions? We’re Here to Help!

If you have any questions, give our experts a call at 262-548-1300 or reach out to us online, and we’ll respond as soon as possible. Be sure to check out our blog for more home comfort tips from our team!

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