Many homeowners in Clarksville, IN, are surprised to find out that the air inside their homes can actually be more polluted than the air outside. One of the biggest culprits behind poor indoor air quality? Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs—those invisible pollutants that are more common than most people think. Let’s break down what they are and how you can tackle them using indoor air quality (IAQ) products designed for homes like yours.
What Are Volatile Organic Compounds?
VOCs are gases released from everyday items around the house—things like paint, cleaning products, building materials, and even new furniture. While they might not be noticeable right away, these compounds can build up indoors, especially if ventilation is limited.
Short-term exposure to VOCs can cause symptoms like headaches, dizziness, throat irritation, or allergic reactions. Over time, breathing them in regularly could lead to more serious respiratory problems and other long-term health issues. That’s why keeping VOC levels in check is so important.
Why VOCs Are a Concern in Clarksville, IN Homes
Homes in Clarksville are often built to be energy-efficient, meaning they’re tightly sealed to keep heating and cooling costs down. That’s great for your energy bill, but it also limits airflow—trapping pollutants like VOCs inside.
With our region’s humid summers and chilly winters, windows usually stay shut most of the year. Without enough fresh air circulating, these compounds can stick around longer than they should, affecting your family’s comfort and health.
IAQ Products That Help Reduce VOCs
The good news is that there are several indoor air quality solutions that can help clear the air and cut down on VOCs:
- Whole-home air purifiers: These connect to your HVAC system to filter out fine particles, including many VOCs.
- Ventilation systems: ERVs and HRVs bring in fresh outdoor air while pushing out stale indoor air, helping lower VOC concentrations.
- UV germicidal lights: Mainly used to fight mold and bacteria, these can also help break down certain organic pollutants when installed near HVAC coils.
- Activated carbon filters: Great at absorbing odors, smoke, and VOCs, these filters are a strong ally in air purification.
Don’t Forget Preventive Maintenance
Even the best IAQ products need a little help to work their best. That means keeping up with routine HVAC maintenance—like changing filters, cleaning ducts, and making sure air is flowing properly. Regular tune-ups not only help your air quality gear run smoothly but also catch small issues before they become big problems.
How Elder Heating and Air Can Help
At Elder Heating and Air, we know how important it is to have clean, healthy air in your home. Our team offers expert advice and professional installation for air purifiers, ventilation systems, and other solutions that help cut down VOCs.
We take the time to understand your home’s layout, your comfort needs, and your air quality goals. Then we recommend the right mix of products to help you breathe easier—all without compromising your HVAC system’s efficiency.
If you’re ready to take control of your indoor air, we’re here to help. Reach out to us about our indoor air quality services and let the team at Elder Heating and Air guide you to a fresher, healthier home.
