There are few things more important to your health and well-being than the very air you breathe. One of the most important things you can do to ensure your home is the safest and healthiest environment possible is to have your indoor air quality tested. This sounds like it can be simple, and with the right professional help it can be, but at the same time, it is also relatively complex, and encompasses several types of contaminants.
We’re going to take a close look at just what it means to have good air quality in your home, and how to test for it. We’ll cover what you need to test for, and what it might cost you to do it yourself, piecemeal. We’ll also cover where you can turn if you need professional help.
Signs Of Possible Poor Air Quality
Here are a few signs that you may have lower air quality in your home, even if you haven’t noticed any serious side effects yet.
Condensation
Condensation is a good indication that your home has poor air circulation and ventilation. This can manifest as condensation on basement walls, musty smells, or visibly moldy items or areas of your home.
Health Issues
It is not uncommon for those living in homes with lower air quality to develop respiratory issues and illnesses. This can be particularly noticeable if the health problems develop after moving into a new home, or after returning home from a period of absence.
Smells
Any musty smells or other unusual odors, especially after being away for a long period, are often a sign that mold or other pollutants are permeating the air.
Older Homes
Living in an older home in general can be an indication that you need to pay closer attention to your air quality. Older homes more commonly have contaminants and pollutants that aren’t common any longer. They are more likely to lead to asbestos issues, as well as VOCs or other outdated materials.
How To Test For Air Quality In Your Home
First, you’ll need to obtain an air quality monitor. These are small devices that measure not only the particulate matter in the air, but also volatile organic compounds, humidity, temperature, carbon monoxide, mold, and more. The higher the quality of the unit, the more pollutants it will generally be able to detect, though the best units can cost several thousand dollars.
You will need to test for mold, and you’ll need to test for mold in many different areas of your home where it is likely to have colonized or bloomed in the past. There are swab tests that can help determine mold levels in your home, but they can be unreliable.
Radon is another test you’ll need to have done. Radon is a radioactive gas that results from the natural decay of uranium, thorium, and radium that is present in the soil. It can enter basements through foundation wall cracks and waterproofing failures.
Installing a carbon monoxide detector is another way to make sure you have a constant view of another aspect of your air quality. Carbon monoxide often results from burning fossil fuels, like natural gas for a water heater or furnace.
Work With Local Professionals To Make Your Air Testing Easy
Knowing how to test for air quality in your home doesn’t necessarily make it easy or reliable to do it yourself. If you would like to have a comprehensive test of your indoor air quality, Home Biotesting is your local expert resource. Reach out today to our team and discuss your air quality needs.