How to Reduce VOCs and Improve Your Home Air Quality

Have you ever walked into a newly painted home and noticed a strong chemical smell? Or you might have noticed it after unpacking new furniture. This is caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the gases emitted from everyday items. Some of them dissipate within a few days, while others remain active for days, months, and sometimes even years. These chemicals remain active in tightly sealed homes because fresh air is not replacing the inside air regularly.

The good news is that you don’t need any expensive equipment to get rid of these chemicals. Slight lifestyle modifications such as purchasing low-VOC items and proper ventilation can improve air quality in your home.

This article explores what VOCs are, where they come from, and practical ways to overcome them. It also explains how an HVAC system can support better indoor air quality.

What Are VOCs and Why Should Homeowners Care?

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carbon-based chemicals emitted from thousands of household-used items, including paint, furniture, flooring, and cleaning products. Not all the VOCs are at the same level of toxicity. Some have minor effects, while others are extremely harmful, especially at their elevated concentrations.

You should care for these chemicals because you spend at least 50% of your life indoors. And if these chemicals are in higher concentrations indoors, they can cause serious health concerns.

What Does VOC Stand For?

VOC stands for volatile organic compounds.

They are called volatile because they can easily evaporate and join the air inside. When part of the normal air, they can be inhaled by anyone inside your family. 

Have a look at a few examples.

• Formaldehyde
• Benzene
• Toluene
• Xylene
• Acetaldehyde

Remember! These chemicals don’t just originate from industrial products. They can also originate from household items. 

Where Do VOCs Come From?

Dozens of household products emit VOCs via a process called off-gassing. When a new product is installed or opened, it emits these chemicals fast, and then it slows down over time. 

Below are some of the common sources.

Source	Common Examples	VOCs Commonly Released
Paints and finishes	Interior paint, stains, varnishes	Formaldehyde, toluene
Flooring materials	Vinyl flooring, laminate, engineered wood	Formaldehyde and other adhesives
Furniture and cabinets	MDF furniture, pressed wood cabinets	Formaldehyde
Adhesives and sealants	Construction adhesives, caulks	Various organic solvents
Cleaning products	Disinfectants, glass cleaners, degreasers	Alcohols, glycol ethers, fragrances
Air fresheners	Plug-ins, sprays, candles	Fragrance compounds and solvents
Craft supplies	Glues, markers, paint thinners	Various VOC mixtures

Keep in mind that the products labelled as natural or organic can also release VOCs. The concentration in this case is, however, usually a little lower.

Signs Your Home May Have Elevated VOC Levels

VOCs are themselves invisible. But homeowners can still detect them through some indirect signs.

Here are common indicators:

• Persistent chemical or new house odors
• Strong smells after painting or remodeling
• Eye, nose, or throat irritation
• Frequent headaches while indoors
• Mild dizziness in poorly ventilated spaces
• Symptoms that improve after leaving the house

These signs might be a result of numerous other problems. But if they persist for longer periods along with chemical odors, improving ventilation can likely remove them.

5 Practical Ways to Reduce VOCs in Your Home

There is no magical trick to eliminate VOCs overnight. But combining source identification, proper ventilation, and indoor air quality solutions can mitigate them. 

1. Remove the Source

The first step toward removing VOCs is to remove the source. Putting the source out of the home ensures the risk for new chemicals is minimal.

Here are the possible culprits in the home.

• Oil-based paints and stains
• Strong cleaning chemicals
• Air fresheners and sprays
• Solvent-based adhesives
• Stored gasoline or paint cans

If you are planning for a renovation, choose products labeled as low-VOC or zero-VOC. And never store partially used paints and solvents in your living rooms. Seal them perfectly and place them in areas away from the living space, in a fully ventilated space.

2. Improve Natural Ventilation

Fresh outdoor air dilutes the VOCs inside. When weather is favorable

• Open windows on opposite sides of the house to create cross-ventilation
• Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during and after activities that generate pollutants
• Ventilate while painting, cleaning, or assembling new furniture
• Continue airing out newly renovated rooms for several days whenever possible

3. Choose Low VOC Products

Many building materials and household products now offer low-emission alternatives without compromising performance. 

Look at the table below to find the right product for different categories.

Product Category	Better Choice
Interior paint	Low-VOC or Zero-VOC paint
Flooring	Low-emission certified flooring
Cabinets	Low-formaldehyde or solid wood
Adhesives	Low-VOC adhesives
Furniture	Low-emission certified furnishings

4. Allow New Furniture to Off-Gas

New furniture, flooring, and mattresses immediately release VOCs after manufacturing or installation.

If possible:

• Air out new furniture in a garage or covered outdoor area
• Increase ventilation after installing new flooring or cabinets
• Wait several days before fully occupying freshly painted rooms
• Follow manufacturers' curing recommendations 

5. Use Household Chemicals Carefully

Everyday household products shouldn’t reduce indoor air quality. 

Before you use a new chemical:

• Follow label instructions carefully
• Use only the amount needed
• Close containers immediately after use
• Avoid mixing cleaning chemicals
• Choose lower-emission products when available

All these strategies are somewhat related to improving indoor air quality and eliminating VOCs. The individual approach in each case can, however, be different. Contact your local HVAC or air quality experts when you notice something serious.