How To Test Air Quality In Your Home

How To Test Air Quality In Your Home

Approximately 25 million people in the United States have asthma. It is also the leading chronic illness amongst children.

Have you Googled, ‘how to test air quality in your home?’ Your home’s indoor air quality can exacerbate many of the symptoms of your loved ones dealing with lung conditions such as asthma. Quality air purifying systems can help eliminate toxic contaminants and improve your overall health and well-being.

Types of Air Quality Risks

Indoor air quality is important for adults and children. What types of pollutants or gas should you be concerned about in your home?

  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Radon
  • Allergens
  • Other indoor pollutants

Poor air quality inside your house can cause you a variety of negative health effects. This has posed an even greater risk as more people are working from home more and more. The pandemic situation increases this phenomenon more than ever. Some statistics state that Americans spend 90% of their entire day indoors. (Source: EPA – Indoor Air Quality)

There are some common signs and symptoms of overexposure to air pollutants:

  • Irritation (e.g., eyes, throat, nose)
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Excessive fatigue
  • Respiratory illnesses
  • Cardiac problems

People with pre-existing conditions such as heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), and asthma are even more at risk of adverse effects.

How To Test Air Quality in Your Home

Do you have concerns with how to check air quality in home? Simple tests can help you determine what pollutants or gases are present. You can check for carbon monoxide, radon, and mold with a few easy steps.

Once you’ve determined what pollutants are in your home, you can opt for quality air purifiers to make sure everyone is breathing a bit easier and healthier.

Carbon Monoxide

One of the simplest tools for checking air quality is a carbon monoxide detector. In fact, these detectors can be lifesaving since carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to fatalities.

Unfortunately, it is virtually impossible for you to detect carbon monoxide without a detector. It is odorless and colorless and typically presents with similar symptoms as the flu.

What are some things that emit carbon monoxide?

  • Driers
  • Water heaters
  • Fireplaces
  • Vehicles
  • Power tools

Make sure that fuel-burning appliances have proper ventilation and are regularly checked. Additionally, don’t ever bring outdoor grills or power tools inside the home for use.

Radon Test

Radon is a monoatomic radioactive gas. Like carbon monoxide, it is also odorless and colorless which makes it challenging for detection by your senses alone.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas coming from the radioactive decay of Uranium. It usually does not pose a problem if you are outdoors. However, once radon builds up indoors it can lead to severe lung issues and is listed as one of the top causes of lung cancer for non-smokers.

Radon comes from the soil and enters the home through cracks in the foundation or other holes. This makes it all the more important for having your home checked and ensure that there are no integrity issues.

Radon cannot be removed by any filtration or any air purification technologies whatsoever. It can only be reduced by limiting the sources and by dilution increasing ventilation.

If a radon test shows abnormally high levels, you can take preventive measures by resealing cracks through caulking and add specialized radon mitigating ventilation systems. This generally helps reducing the radon concentration level and prevent further issues.

Mold Test

Mold is a fungus that is beneficial for the outdoor environment. In the home, it can release toxins that are harmful to humans and pets.

Typically, you will find mold in dark or wet spaces – they are much easier to spot and detect than radon or carbon monoxide. Usually, the symptoms of mold exposure resemble allergies.

You may notice mold that is black, white, or even spotted. It can look like cotton or have a velvety appearance, and usually has a musty smell. Indoor mold comes from spores that enter through your doors, windows, or vents.

However, mold needs the right conditions to continue growing. The ideal situations for mold include places where there are higher amounts of moisture. You might find mold in your basement, by leaky pipes, or in ceiling tiles.

Mold is often best remediated by a mold removal professional but air purifiers can also help with mold.

Air Quality Monitor

Are you wondering how to measure air quality at home? An air quality monitor can help. Most monitors will regularly measure typical pollutants found indoors. These are especially useful for people who have lung conditions such as asthma.

In addition to monitors, it helps in having something that regularly purifies and detoxes the air. This can work towards eliminating problems that arise in your home and make it safer for residents at a higher health risk.

Residential Air Purifiers

A residential air purifier is different from a filter. Most homes have filters in their furnace and A/C units that eliminate contaminants. A purifier works at catching all the particles and contaminants that are missed by the filters.

These purifiers target various pollutants found in indoor settings and work round the clock in helping with eliminating them. Additionally, it is eco-friendly and safe for home use.

Whole house air purifiers work by using similar forms of UV rays that the sun emits. These natural wavelengths can eliminate harmful contaminants. Installing these in your ventilation ducts ensures that all of the outside air is filtered through these natural systems.

Keep Your House Healthy

Have you been wondering about how to test air quality in your home? Common air pollutants can build up and cause lingering illnesses and asthma flare-ups. Regularly testing for carbon monoxide, radon and mold can help keep you and your family safe.

Do you want a simple and easy way to purify your air? Indoor air quality products and purifiers work at eliminating harmful contaminants. They can even be installed in your ducts so that they can work hard to clean your air without constant maintenance.

Contact us today if you have any questions about our line of air purification products.

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