If you’re concerned about the air quality in your home, VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are something to keep an eye on. Many of us don’t know much about them beyond understanding that they can be hazardous to our health. But what exactly are VOCs? And most importantly- how do you remove VOCs from the air in your home? Doc Dancer Heating & Air takes a look at what precisely these compounds are and explore some potential strategies for getting rid of them along with other tips for improving indoor air quality.
What Are VOCs?
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals found in everyday objects such as paint, cleaning supplies, and furniture. These substances are released into the air as gases and can have a negative impact on both human and environmental health. As such, it is important for individuals to be aware of these compounds when using products that contain them and to ensure adequate ventilation when possible. It’s a good idea to open new furniture outside and let it stay outside for a while so the outdoor air can remove the VOCs. This is called off-gassing and it can help protect your indoor environment. After a few hours outside, you can bring your new furniture into your home.
Health Risks of VOCs
The health risks posed by VOCs depend on the individual compound. Some may cause short-term symptoms like dizziness or eye irritations while others have been linked to more serious long-term effects such as cancer or damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. Even at low levels, some VOC exposure can cause drowsiness and headaches or impair cognitive abilities over time. It is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with exposure to these compounds in order to protect yourself and your family from their harmful effects.
Removing VOCs from Your Home
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the number of VOCs in your home. It is important to ventilate areas where there may be high VOC concentrations of these compounds such as kitchens or bathrooms that use aerosol sprays, like hair products, air fresheners, cleaning products, or where paint has recently been used. When using household products in a room like a bathroom that does not have a window, make sure you have a ventilation system like your bathroom fan running to help remove these chemicals from spreading throughout your home. Additionally, when purchasing new furniture or other items for your home make sure they are labeled as “low-VOC” or “no-VOC” so that you know they will not release harmful chemicals into the air.
HVAC Products for Indoor Air Quality
Another way you can keep your home free from VOCs is by installing HVAC products designed specifically for indoor air quality (IAQ). These products work by removing pollutants from the air so they do not recirculate into your home.
Whole home air cleaners are a powerful solution for reducing volatile organic compounds in the home. They provide effective filtration of airborne pollutants and particles, removing VOCs from the air before they enter the living environment. The result is healthy, fresh air that can help to improve both physical and mental well-being. The process works by drawing air into the purifier unit where it passes through multiple layers of filtration, like activated carbon filters, which adsorb VOC molecules from the air stream, ensuring clean air is then dispersed back into the home.
Air purifiers use a UV light to sanitize the air. This can prevent germs, bacteria, and spores from reproducing, stopping their spread. They can also be very effective at removing odors from the air like smoke. Doc Dancer Heating & Air is an expert in IAQ equipment installation in Fort Wayne, IN who can help you find the best system for keeping your air clean and healthy for years to come!
Remove VOCs from Your Home with Indoor Air Quality Solutions from Doc Dancer
No one should have to worry about their health being compromised because of poor indoor air quality caused by VOCs. By taking proactive steps such as proper ventilation and using low-VOC products when possible, you can reduce your exposure to these dangerous compounds. Installing HVAC products specifically designed for IAQ will provide an added layer of protection from harmful pollutants in the air while also helping you maintain comfortable temperatures throughout the year. If you live in Fort Wayne, IN, and need professional help with IAQ equipment installation, contact Doc Dancer Heating & Air today!