Indoor Air Quality
Air Quality Service in Western North Carolina
Western North Carolina’s Go-To Contractor
How You May Discover You Have an Air Quality Problem
A lot of people in Asheville have an air quality issue but don't realize it. They might just chalk it up to things like high pollen counts and general fatigue. But, if you regularly notice the following, it's worth getting an air quality analysis done:
- Frequent runny noses or allergy symptoms
- Inefficient heating and AC systems
- You or others smoking in your home
- The presence of shedding pets
- Visible signs of mold or mildew
- Anyone in your home developing a weakened immune system
- Dust clinging to your vents and registers
- Stale or stuffy air
- When you’re buying a home or building one
- Nose or skin irritation
- Headaches, nausea, or chronic fatigue
- Stubborn odors that don’t go away
Being mindful of the warning signs of poor indoor air quality in Asheville is essential for your family's health and comfort. If any of the above sound familiar, it's time to give us a call. Our experts will work with you to address your problem and provide a solution that fits your needs. We believe every home in Asheville should be a sanctuary, and addressing these concerns can help make it just that.
Indoor Air Quality FAQs
Do humidity levels really affect my indoor air quality?
Yes, they do. Homes with exceedingly high humidity levels end up with mold, dust mites, and mildew. Houses with humidity that’s too low, meanwhile, experience dust and recurring sinus issues. Maintaining your home’s humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent keeps you in the “Comfort Zone”. Please note that these ideal levels drop in relation to outside temperatures.
Why should I care about my home’s air quality?
Studies show that air in your home is likely more polluted than the air outside. No matter how tidy your house is, your air will still be filled with pollen, viruses, dust, and pet dander. Luckily—though we cannot solve everything—there are things Asheville air quality experts can do fto help. This includes installing air sanitizer or UV germicidal lights in your HVAC system can truly expel these contaminants. We can also recommend improved filters, clean your ducts, and install humidification systems.
What are the most common air pollutants?
The most frequently found contaminants in your home are relatively harmless except for causing discomfort to those who may be allergic. They include pollen, fabric fibers, dust, pet dander, and other common household particles.
What type of furnace filter should I use in my home?
Start by determining how thick of a filter your system can accommodate. Most HVAC systems can’t accommodate filters that are more than an inch thick. In standard furnaces, we don't recommend anything above a MERV 8. This can lead to lowered system efficiency. If anyone in your home suffers from respiratory or cardiac disease, you might also want to consider installing thicker, more efficient filter. These typically have to be installed in a specialized cabinet.
What’s “Sick Building” syndrome?
If you’ve done any research on IAQ, you’ve probably seen references to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). This term comes from a study where public workers in one building reported headaches, fatigue, nausea, nose irritation, and watery eyes. Researchers examined this building and found it to have a lot of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air. This case gave birth to the term and is now used as a diagnosis for someone who experiences air pollution symptoms at work and notices an immediate improvement upon returning home.
Is there anything I can do to improve my own indoor air quality?
We recommend that homeowners who are concerned with the quality of the air they breathe take the following steps:
- Purchase a HEPA filter
- Vacuum, mop, and dust regularly to avoid airborne pollutants
- Choose natural woods and furnishings that don't come with VOCs or emit chemical vapors
- Open your windows and air your home out from time to time
- Install a thermostat that includes humidity readings