Mr. Duct Cleaner knows that VOC is short for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These are pesky chemicals that are created in your indoor air space every day. They play a significant role in our environment, health, and everyday life. I’m going to start this blog with where I usually finish – a good way to combat VOC accumulation indoors is to have your HVAC system and ducts cleaned by the experts at Mr. Duct Cleaner.
VOCs are organic compounds that have a high vapor pressure at room temperature. This means they readily evaporate into the air through:
- Natural Sources:
- Plants: Trees, flowers, and other vegetation emit VOCs during metabolic processes. These natural emissions contribute to the characteristic scents of forests and flowers.
- Decomposition: When organic matter (like dead leaves) decomposes, it releases VOCs.
- Volcanoes: Even volcanic eruptions release VOCs into the atmosphere (hopefully, this does not affect your direct indoor air).
- Human-Made Sources:
- Industrial: Factories, refineries, and manufacturing plants release VOCs during production processes.
- Transportation: Vehicle exhaust contains VOCs, especially from gasoline and diesel fuels.
- Household Products: Paints, cleaning agents, and even office equipment emit VOCs.
- Indoor Activities: Cooking, smoking, and using household products contribute to indoor VOC levels.
Why is Mr. Duct Cleaner concerned about VOCs? What does this have to do with HVAC system and duct cleaning?
- Air Pollution: VOCs contribute to smog formation and ground-level ozone, affecting air quality.
- Health Risks: Prolonged exposure to high VOC levels can lead to respiratory issues, headaches, and even cancer.
- Indoor Air Quality: Poor ventilation can trap VOCs indoors, impacting our well-being.
What can you do to lower your VOCs in your home?
- Purchase paints, adhesives, and cleaning agents labeled as low VOC or VOC free.
- Use water-based paints instead of oil-based ones.
- Other ways to lower VOCs in your home:
- Ventilation Matters:
- Properly ventilate indoor spaces to reduce VOC buildup.
- Open windows and use exhaust fans when cooking or using chemicals.
- Greenery Indoors:
- Houseplants absorb VOCs and improve indoor air quality.
- Spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants are excellent choices.
- Be Mindful of New Furniture and Carpets:
- New furniture and carpets can release VOCs. Allow them to spill off the gas in well-ventilated areas before bringing them indoors.
- Last but NOT least – have your HVAC system and ducts cleaned, then install an Aerus Air Scrubber to regularly deactivate VOCs.
- Ventilation Matters:
Contact Mr. Duct Cleaner for your Free estimate and to see about alleviating VOCs accumulation in your home!
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