Indoor Air Quality: Lowering VOCs

VOCs are gases released by paints, cleaners, adhesives and many household products. Reduce them by choosing low-VOC products, storing chemicals outside living areas and ventilating, with HVAC filtration and fresh air support.

What VOCs are

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals that evaporate into the air at room temperature. They come from paints, stains, adhesives, cleaning products, air fresheners, personal care products, new carpet and furniture, and even hobby supplies. Some have a strong smell, others none at all.

Effects range from irritation of the eyes, nose and throat and headaches at some levels to more serious concerns with certain compounds. For health questions, ask your doctor.

Not every smell is a VOC problem, and not every VOC has a smell. If you are concerned, track when symptoms appear and what has changed in the home.

Why our homes hold on to them

Tight, energy-efficient homes and the long closed-window winters in Upstate New York and Vermont reduce natural air exchange. A single renovation, from refinishing floors to painting the nursery, can leave VOC levels elevated for days or weeks if the house cannot air out.

Cold weather makes it tempting to keep every window closed after a project, which is exactly when levels stay highest. Plan large projects for milder weeks.

Start at the source

• Choose low-VOC or zero-VOC paints, stains and adhesives
• Store paint, solvents, gasoline and pesticides in a detached garage or shed, not the basement or attached garage
• Use fewer aerosol sprays and plug-in fragrances
• Let new furniture and carpet off-gas outdoors or in a ventilated space when possible
• Read labels and close containers tightly

Buy only what you need and finish the can instead of storing half-used products for years. Dispose of old chemicals through your town's household hazardous waste program.

Ventilate when you can

During painting and renovation, open windows, use box fans in windows to push air out, and keep the work area ventilated for several days after. In cold weather, this means a trade-off with heating cost, so schedule projects for milder spring and fall days when you can.

Bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans pull stale air out; see our post on bathroom exhaust fans.

A small fan in a window blowing out can help create flow through the work area, with another window cracked on the opposite side.

What HVAC can and cannot do

A basic furnace filter captures particles, not gases. Reducing VOCs through the HVAC takes controlled ventilation, such as an energy recovery ventilator that brings in fresh air while recovering heat, or specialized gas-phase filtration. Our indoor air quality services can assess options for your home. Be wary of ozone-producing air cleaners.

An energy recovery ventilator is a common solution for tight homes, and a technician can check whether your layout suits one.

Keep the system clean

Duct leaks and dirty equipment can pull in contaminants from garages, basements and crawlspaces. Sealing ducts and keeping filters fresh helps. See choosing the right filter.

Replace the furnace filter after any dusty renovation, and run the system fan for a while with windows open, if the weather allows.

Test and talk to a pro

If you suspect a problem, such as persistent odors, headaches that clear when you leave, or sensitivity after a renovation, consider air testing and consult a medical professional. Superior CO-OP HVAC can look at ventilation and equipment, and call (518) 719-5614 to start.

Ask us about ventilation and filtration options that fit your equipment, and request a written quote before any work. The office is open weekdays 8 to 5.

If you rent or share a building, talk to the landlord or building manager about ventilation. Many VOC problems come from shared spaces, such as an attached shop or a neighbor's hobby area. Keep records of when odors occur, because that makes it easier for a professional to track down the source.

Frequently asked questions