Learn About VOCs and How to Mitigate Their Effects
Your Conway, SC, home is the last place you’d expect to encounter unhealthy air pollution, yet it’s more common than you’d think. To keep yourself protected, it’s important to understand the hazards of volatile organic compounds — and how to deal with them.
What Are Volatile Organic Compounds?
Volatile organic compounds, commonly called VOCs, are chemicals that readily evaporate into the air in a process called off-gassing. These chemicals are found in many different household products, from paints and adhesives to cosmetics and cleaning supplies. Other common sources of VOCs include home furnishings, electronics, office equipment, and various cooking supplies and appliances. These gases can be extremely detrimental to indoor air quality, posing a range of potential short- and long-term health risks.
Can Whole-Home Air Purifiers Treat VOCs?
Because VOCs are so widespread, removing all possible sources is rarely practical. Unfortunately, conventional air filtration is also ineffective. While high-efficiency media filters can trap most airborne particles, VOCs are typically beyond their grasp. Instead, consider investing in a whole-home air purifier. Unlike normal filters, air purifiers use specialized materials and technologies that can effectively scrub the air of harmful gases, odors and other impurities.
How Ventilation Controls Organic Pollutants
Volatile organic compounds are most hazardous when they’re allowed to build up over time. This typically happens in homes that are sealed tightly to conserve energy, leaving dirty air no place to escape. If you’re noticing signs of poor indoor air quality, a whole-home ventilator may be the perfect solution. Ventilators provide steady, controlled airflow, pulling out indoor air and pumping in fresh, clean outdoor air to replace it. This dilutes any lingering impurities, preventing them from reaching unsafe concentrations.
At Ductworks Heating & Cooling, we have the tools to help you fight back against the threat of volatile organic compounds. Talk to our qualified HVAC professionals today to explore the best indoor air quality solutions for your home and family.