How to Test Your Home's Indoor Air Quality
Your home may feel like a tranquil retreat compared to the noisy streets outside, but even without all the traffic, your indoor air might not be as clean as you think. In fact, according to the EPA, concentrations of some pollutants may be up to five times higher inside your home.
Knowing the source of these pollutants and how to perform indoor air quality testing is essential for minimizing allergies and discomfort. In this article, we'll look at:
The first steps to breathing easier are establishing a baseline of your home's air quality and planning ways to improve it.
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Talk to the team you can trust. With over 30 years of experience, we know how to make your home as comfortable as possible. From duct cleaning to air purifier installation, all our air quality services come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Understanding Indoor Air Pollutants
Whether it's mold on your AC unit or emissions from your gas stove, air pollutants lurk everywhere within the average home. The most common contaminants you might encounter include:
- Dust
- Pet dander
- Mold spores
- Carbon monoxide
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Radon
- Pollen
Some pollutants, such as pet dander and carbon monoxide, come from within the home. Others, such as pollen, find their way indoors and accumulate over time due to poor air circulation.
However, all pollutants can become a problem for people in your home with respiratory conditions or allergies. It's also common for people without these conditions to experience fatigue, headaches, or congestion when there's a buildup of dust or VOCs.
Signs of Poor Air Quality
Poor air quality isn't always obvious, so it can be surprisingly difficult to tell when you need indoor air quality testing. However, potential signs of a problem include:
- Persistent odors. Stale or moldy smells that don't dissipate quickly could indicate poor air circulation or hidden pollutants.
- Dust buildup. If dust accumulates quickly throughout your home — especially near air vents — your ducts may need cleaning.
- Allergy exacerbation. If allergies suddenly worsen, poor air quality may be to blame.
- Condensation. Excessive moisture and mold go hand in hand.
- Dirty air filters. If air filters become dirty quickly, it may be due to poor air quality.
- Congestion. Indoor air pollutants often cause nasal congestion, as well as eye or throat irritation.
DIY Methods for Testing Air Quality
If you've noticed signs of poor air quality, home kits can test for pollutants. However, keep in mind that these kits don't offer the same accuracy and reliability as the tools professionals use. They can also miss hidden problems.
In any case, DIY tests can help determine whether to seek professional assistance. To get a baseline of your home's air quality, consider using the following:
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- Radon test kits
- Mold tests
- VOC detectors
- Humidity meters
If pollutant levels seem high or you're experiencing allergy symptoms despite clean tests, contact a professional air quality service provider like Advantage Air for further investigation.
The Value of Professional Air Quality Testing
Professional air testing services offer more comprehensive results than DIY air quality testing can. For example, our testing covers multiple places where pollutants might hide, including throughout your ductwork and dryer vents.
The experience our technicians have makes it easier for them to find problems inside your HVAC system or behind walls. We also know how to rectify the issues we find, which can save you money by avoiding products and services that don't match your needs.
Improving Your Indoor Air Quality
Wondering about the options available to improve your home's air quality? Depending on the source of the pollutants, remedies can include:
- Duct cleaning and sealing
- Ductwork modifications
- Air purifier installation
- Humidifier or dehumidifier installation
No two homes are alike, so the ideal remedy will depend on the situation. That's why professional insight is important to get to the root of your indoor air quality concerns.
Take the First Step to Better Indoor Air Quality
Earning customer trust with superior service since 1988, Advantage Air understands how important a comfortable home is to your family. Schedule an in-home visit today and we'll recommend the best air quality services for your comfort.
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