Poor indoor air quality can have many causes, and here are some common solutions:
• Lack of ventilation. Stale, used indoor air is circulated repeatedly. Increase ventilation by opening windows, using fans and vent systems properly.
• Air leaks and drafts. Outside pollutants seep in through cracks around doors, windows, pipes, etc. Seal and weatherize the building envelope to prevent air leaks.
• Housing materials. VOCs emitted from new furniture, paints, carpet adhesives, etc. Improve off-gassing with air purifiers/humidifiers and passive methods like airflow/ventilation.
• HVAC issues. Dirty filters, contaminated coils, under or over cooled/heated spaces can reduce comfort and quality. Ensure high-efficiency filters, routinely clean HVAC components and maintain proper temperatures.
• Mold and moisture. Excess water vapor leads to mold growth which releases spores into the air. Control humidity levels, fix any leaks and clean up standing water/spills right away.
• Pet dander and allergens. Hair, saliva, urine and irritants from animals circulate in the air. Bathing, grooming pets frequently and designating them to limited indoor spaces can help. Air purifiers with HEPA filters are also useful.
• Pollutants from outside. Vehicle fumes, pollen, pollutants from streets and chemical spills infiltrate inside. Ensure good filtration and keep windows closed on high-pollution days.
• Volatile organic compounds. Formaldehyde from insulation, paints, building materials pollutes the air. Install air purifiers with activated carbon to absorb compounds and increase ventilation/circulation.
• Fluctuating carbon dioxide. Too much or too little CO2 can reduce comfort, alertness and productivity. ventilation, indoor air meters and air treatment systems help monitor and maintain healthy CO2 levels.
• Combustion byproducts. Environmental smoke, gas from ovens/fireplaces leaks into the air. Properly vent all combustion cooking appliances to prevent byproducts from entering the home.
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