It may sound strange, but the air inside your Lindsay, CA home could be much more polluted than the air outside. One of the biggest contributors to poor indoor air quality is volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These compounds are hazardous, so it’s important to understand the risks and what can be done to manage them.

The Lowdown on VOCs

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a class of organic chemicals that become gases or vapors very easily at room temperature. They’re found in a wide range of everyday products, from building materials to cleaning supplies. In the average home, VOCs can quickly become concentrated and reach hazardous levels. Potential health risks include:

  • Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
  • Dizziness, fatigue, and confusion
  • Headaches and memory impairment
  • Loss of fine muscle control
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Cancer

Eliminating VOCs at the Source

The best way to control VOCs is to prevent them from entering your home. They’re often emitted from paints, solvents, adhesives, cleaning supplies, and air fresheners. They’re also commonly found in many building materials and pieces of furniture. Whenever possible, look for products that are certified low-VOC or VOC-free. Limit your use of aerosol and plug-in air fresheners and consider essential oils and other non-toxic alternatives. Of course, it’s also important not to allow smoking in your home.

Effective Air Cleaner Solutions

Opting for low-VOC items is a great strategy for minimizing your future exposure, but it won’t remove existing VOCs. At ZONE Air & Heating Inc., we’ve found the best option is a high-quality air cleaning solution from Trane. These air filtration systems employ advanced filtering technologies to clean the air and strip out harmful organic compounds.

As Porterville’s top-rated HVAC company three years in a row, we’re committed to serving all of your comfort needs. We know air quality is just as important to your comfort and well-being as maintaining comfortable temperatures and humidity levels. If you’re concerned about your indoor air quality, you can trust ZONE Air & Heating Inc. for expert service.