Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are different chemicals that off-gas from common items. Those gases mix with the air in your Las Vegas, NV, home. They can affect your health and well-being. Here are three ways to keep VOCs at bay and improve your home’s indoor air quality.
Control Sources
Try to avoid bringing products into your home that may off-gas VOCs. This includes minimizing new plastic and upholstery products. When purchasing paints, glues and adhesives, look for VOC-free options. Choose the smallest amount that you need, and avoid storing the extra. Poorly-sealed containers could allow VOCs to leak into your home’s air. When purchasing furniture or other household goods, let them off-gas outdoors for a day or two. Another option is to put them in the garage and open the windows in order to disperse the VOCs.
Use Exhaust and Ventilation Fans
Many routine activities generate VOCs. Burning candles, using glues or adhesives, painting or cooking with oil all release VOCs into your home’s air. Cleaning with harsh chemicals, such as ammonia or bleach, also releases VOCs. When doing these activities, the Minnesota Department of Health recommends that you turn on the exhaust fans. If you don’t have exhaust fans, use the fan of your air conditioning system to bring fresh air into your home.
Install an Air Purifier
An air purifier may remove some of the VOCs from your home’s air. Air purifiers use different forms of technology, including electrostatic filters that capture oil droplets. Purifiers with UV-C technology break apart chemical compounds and inactivate bacteria and viruses. An air purifier paired with a high-efficiency filter in your home’s heating and cooling system could remove many particles and gases from your home’s air. Choose an air filter with a minimum efficiency reported value of 16 or higher.
To learn more about how to keep VOCs at bay in your home, check out Mr. Cool Heating & Air Conditioning’s indoor air quality solutions, or call us today for additional info.
